The fireworks
This 'Venus' ™ combines all good properties of its parents. The garden owner will mainly be fascinated by its large flowers. The healthiness is what is most important to the professional.The single flowers (bracts) can measure 13 cm in diameter and will almost entirely cover the plant. When Cornus 'Venus'™ comes to flowering around May 20th, its glossy green leaves will fully be developed. But one does not really see them since they are covered by this mass of cream white flowers. The timing of its flowering is ideal. Towards end of May most of the spring firework has come to an end. Now the roses will come and enjoy us. Cornus 'Venus'™ is the big final bang with which the fireworks come to an end.
In October / November we can observe strawberry like fruit and a wonderful coloring of its leaves.
The hardiness of 'Venus' is perfect. It will resists cold weather. However we have no experience how 'Venus' does in dry and cold Eastern Europe with temperatures lower than minus 25 Grad Celsius.
Location:
Cornus kousa 'Venus'™ should be planted isolated. For such a jewel it might be worth pulling out a much to old shrub. 'Venus' can be put in a partly shaded area however not underneath other trees.
The soil must be rich and well drained.
What to observe:
The plant hole should have three times the size of the root ball (container). When the plant is in the ground the top of its root ball must be on the same level as the surrounding area. Planting too deep is a mistake often committed. If the soil is rather loamy and chalky you can reduce its pH by adding plenty of peat moss around the root ball. If there is a risk of stagnant water, put in a drainage, add some sand 0/3 mm or broken lava in order to allow more air.
Height:
Several years after planting 'Venus' can reach a height of three to four meters and a width of two meters. However a good pruning is well recommended. This encourages also a better setting of flowering buds. Remember that this pruning needs to be done in June, you must allow the plant to not only make new shoots before the end of the growing season but also to develop the flowering buds for the following year.
Maintenance:
We have experienced considerable growth and therefore, depending on the location, pruning might become a necessity. With the pruning you will also be able to give your 'Venus' a special shape. Eventually even tree like if for instance it is planted along a drive way. Choose the right time for this pruning. Never prune 'Venus' at the end of the winter, as one does with many other shrubs, by doing so you would cut of your flowers before they have a chance to open. When 'Venus' has just begun to flower don't hesitate to cut a branch of and put it in a vase. You will be very surprised how well and how long it keeps fresh.
Please note:
This new dogwood hybrid is patented (PPM) and has a trademark (™) both in the US and in Europe. Propagating in any form is not allowed. Rutgers University has given the general license for Europe to Eberts Nurseries, D-76532 Baden-Baden, Germany. Eberts Nurseries has designated partners who will grow this licensed plant and will soon make it available in good Garden Centers throughout Europe.
A close relative to 'Venus' KN30 8 is Cornus kousa 'Starlight' KN4 43. It is the simple crossing of the Cornus kousa chinensis with the pacific dogwood Cornus nuttallii. This equally patented and trademarked new dogwood hybrid does flower one week earlier than Cornus 'Venus'. Its flowers are less large in diameter and they are of slightly greenish white color. We do not know much about its frost resistance. It is certainly okay for any where south of the Alps.