Overview

Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'White Fountain' is a bushy, matforming, suckering shrubs in the genus Cornus, part of the Cornaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'White Fountain' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6, H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and hedging and screens.

About

Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'White Fountain' is a deciduous shrub cultivar within the Cornus genus, which includes a variety of shrubs and trees known for their compact flower clusters and attractive autumn foliage. This cultivar has a bushy, matforming, and suckering habit, making it suitable for cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, flower borders, and hedging. It thrives in well-drained soil under full sun or partial shade and is hardy in UK zones H6 and H7. 'White Fountain' is particularly notable in spring and summer, adding seasonal interest to a range of garden settings.

About the genus

Cornus is a genus of about 30–60 species of woody plants in the family Cornaceae, commonly known as dogwoods or cornels, which can generally be distinguished by their blossoms, berries, and distinctive bark. Most are deciduous trees or shrubs, but a few species are nearly herbaceous perennial subshrubs, and some species are evergreen. Several species have small heads of inconspicuous flowers surrounded by an involucre of large, typically white petal-like bracts, while others have more open clusters of petal-bearing flowers.

Wikipedia contributors, "Cornus", CC BY-SA 4.0Cornus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cornus

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, West-facing, North-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6, H7

Plant details

Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'White Fountain' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy, Matforming, Suckering
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Hedging and screens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'White Fountain'

Propagation
Semi-hardwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Grafting, Division, Layering
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'White Fountain'?

Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'White Fountain' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'White Fountain' need?

Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'White Fountain' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

Is Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'White Fountain' hardy in the UK?

Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'White Fountain' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'White Fountain'?

Semi-hardwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Grafting, Division, Layering.

More in the Cornus genus

Browse all Cornus