About

Cornus x elwinortonii Venus ('Kn30 8'PBR) is a robust, spreading deciduous tree that can reach heights of 6 meters and widths of 4 meters. Its glossy green leaves, which are oval to egg-shaped, transform into vibrant shades of yellow, red, orange, and purple in the fall. In the spring, mature specimens produce numerous small, compact clusters of green flowers, which are encircled by large, creamy-white bracts that can measure up to 15 centimeters in diameter. By autumn, these trees may also yield red fruits resembling raspberries.

About the genus

Cornus includes a variety of deciduous shrubs and trees, as well as prostrate, woody perennials, some featuring vibrant young stems. The small flowers appear in compact clusters, occasionally accompanied by prominent bracts. Several species display attractive foliage in the fall.

Growing conditions

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, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by grafting or from semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus