Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, Oregon, USA

Common name: Venus dogwood

Family: Cornaceae

Distribution: Garden Origin

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

Hardiness: Zone 7a 0 to 5 F

Life form: Deciduous tree

Usage: Ornamental

Comments: ‘Venus dogwood is a hybrid that was developed by Elwin R. Orton, Jr. as part of the Jersey Star series of dogwoods released by Rutgers University. It is noted for its vigorous habit, large-bracted flowers, profuse bloom and resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew. It is a small deciduous tree with a dense, low-branched, spreading habit and is stated by the inventors to be more vigorous than current known cultivars of Cornus kousa. It has superior foliage and large flowers. A profusion of very large, creamy white flowers with a nubbin of green in the center distinguishes this floriferous smaller tree. The flowers, or bracts, may be up to 6 inches across and stand out against the lustrous green foliage. In autumn the fruit are small red orbs, somewhat reminiscent of strawberries, and the leaves offer a palette of red, orange, and purple.
Best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.