Cornus Kousa Venus

Flowering Dogwood

Botanical name: Cornus ‘Venus’ (often listed as Cornus kousa × nuttallii ‘Venus’)*

Overview
A spectacular hybrid dogwood prized for its extra-large creamy white bracts—among the largest of any dogwood, often 5–6 inches across. Blooming in late spring to early summer after leaf-out, flowers create a bold, luminous display. Glossy green foliage remains clean through summer, turning red to burgundy in fall, sometimes with purple tones. ‘Venus’ combines the vigor and disease resistance of hybrid breeding with exceptional ornamental impact.

Size



Width: 15–20 ft



Height: 15–20 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 5a–9b



Light



Full sun to partial shade



Morning sun with afternoon shade preferred in hotter regions



Soil



Well-drained soils; prefers moist, organic-rich loam



Slightly acidic pH preferred



Avoid compacted or poorly drained sites



Attracts



Pollinators (flowers)



Birds (fruit)



Suitable Conditions



Performs best in cool to moderate climates



Excellent disease resistance compared to Cornus florida



Allow space for layered branching and mature canopy spread



Notes



Shape: Upright when young, maturing to broad and layered



Noted for exceptionally large flowers and strong vigor



Developed through advanced hybrid breeding programs



Excellent specimen tree for lawns, courtyards, and focal plantings



Minimal pruning required; prune only for structure or deadwood

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

15-20'

Width

15-20'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring, Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright, Horizontal Branching

Drought tolerant

No