Deciduous And Flowering Trees

Venus Dogwood

Cornus × elwinortonii 'KN30-8'

Venus dogwood creates a bold spring display with very large white bracts above glossy green foliage. Reddish autumn leaves and red fruit add later interest. This hybrid selection develops a vigorous, low-branched crown, typically about 14–20 feet tall and 18–25 feet wide, so give it a generous specimen setting rather than a narrow strip. Moist, organic, well-drained soil and mulch help support roots through Southwest Washington's dry summers. Sun to partial shade works, with shelter from hot wind. Useful resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew is not immunity: maintain airflow, water during establishment, and inspect declining shoots before choosing treatment.

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At a glance

Mature height: About 14–20 ft; roughly 20 ft at twenty years
Mature spread: About 18–25 ft; roughly 25 ft at twenty years
Light: Sun to partial shade
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

Venus is a hybrid dogwood with a broad, low-branching crown, suited to a lawn or woodland edge. Leave its lower branches visible and enough room for the canopy to develop.

Where to plant

Plan for a crown around 18–25 feet wide. Sun or partial shade is suitable, with protection from hot, drying exposure and enough space for air to move through the branches.

Through the seasons

Large white bracts appear in spring. Glossy green summer leaves develop reddish autumn color, and red fruit can follow flowering.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

Venus has resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew, but disease can still occur. Summer watering, winter drainage, and protection from drying wind help maintain tree health in maritime gardens.

Soil, drainage & water

Provide acidic, organically rich soil that stays moist but drains freely. Mulch the root area and check moisture during establishment and hot weather, avoiding prolonged saturation.

A little care goes a long way

Growing well, season after season.

Keep pruning light, removing damaged or crossing branches when needed. Maintain a mulched root area and water during dry spells, particularly while the tree is becoming established.

Know what to look for

Common growing concerns.

Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.

Leaf disease

Leaf spots, powdery deposits, or twig dieback can occur despite the cultivar's disease resistance.

Help your plant thrive

Avoid keeping foliage wet for long periods and leave room for air circulation. Persistent spotting or dieback should be identified before deciding whether treatment is needed.