Cornus kousa var. chinensis

Name of plant: Cornus kousa var. chinensis
Family: Cornaceae

Common names:  English: - Chinese dogwood
        Welsh
Area of garden where plant is found:  Slate beds

Description: A large and elegant open formed deciduous shrub with prolific showy white bracts in early summer, followed by strawberry like fruits and splendid rich bronze and crimson autumn colour.  The shrub can develop into a small tree attaining 20 feet in height.

Distribution, habitat and conservation status (if known):  China

Derivation of name: Cornus = Latin name for cornelian cherry, kousa = Japanese name for plant, chinensis = of China.

History of plant. The plant was brought back from Hupeh province in China by plant collector Earnest Henry Wilson in 1907 and was first grown in the UK at Kew.

Decorative and economic uses (if any):  Ideal for single specimen in a lawn or large border where the tiered horizontal layers of the branches can be seen to best effect.  The fruits are edible.

Growing instructions:   C. kousa var. chinensis prefers a rich neutral to acid fertile soil in full sun or dappled shade.  Pruning should not be required as this variety has an elegant shape therefore careful placing is needed to give the shrub enough room to grow.

References and sources of further information:
Bean W. J., “Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles” 8th Ed 1970: M. Bean and John Murray (Publishers) Ltd, London.
Hillier, “The Gardeners Guide to Trees and Shrubs” 1st Ed. Reprinted 2004: David and Charles, Devon.
Stearn, W. T. “Botanical Latin” 4th ed. Reprinted 2005: Timber Press, Oregon, U.S.A.