Description
Cornus kousa var. chinensis, also known as the Chinese dogwood, is considered a more robust version of the Japanese dogwood, Cornus kousa. With a height of about 6 meters, this variety often grows into a small tree, making it less suitable for modest gardens. The dark green leaves have a slightly wavy shape and a blue-green underside. In the fall, this dogwood shows off beautiful shades of yellow and scarlet.
What really sets this variety apart are the striking bracts that surround the flowers. These bracts are bright white and can grow to be around 10 cm in size, larger than those of the parent species. The Cornus kousa var. chinensis is also distinguished by its edible fruits, which are a beautiful pink-red color and have a flavor reminiscent of cranberries. These juicy fruits not only add visual appeal, but also provide a delicious and versatile culinary experience for those who choose to enjoy them. The red, strawberry-like fruits are around 2.5 cm in diameter, and hang from red stems that are around 5 cm long.
Cornus kousa var. chinensis thrives best in a sunny spot in the garden and prefers a humus-rich soil. This variety is also more drought-resistant than Cornus florida, making it a recommended choice over the original Cornus kousa species.