Venus Dogwood

Venus Dogwood (Cornus x 'KN30-8')

Venus Dogwood (Cornus x 'KN30-8') is a vigorous, disease resistant hybrid famed for its enormous creamy white flower bracts and robust, symmetrical habit. Bred from Cornus kousa, Cornus nuttallii, and Cornus capitata, it delivers one of the most dramatic late spring displays of any dogwood, followed by clean summer foliage and rich burgundy purple fall color in a fast maturing, landscape ready tree.

Distinctive Features

Masses of creamy white bracts often 4 to 6 inches across blanket the canopy in late spring to early summer, creating a striking, star like show that reads from a distance. Broad, glossy, deep green leaves stay clean through heat and humidity, then color richly in fall. The broad, rounded crown develops quickly with strong, well spaced branches for high ornamental value. Unlike many flowering dogwoods, 'Venus' shows excellent resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew and is sterile, producing no fruit.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
• Water: Moderate; provide regular water during dry periods, especially while establishing.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9.
• Mature Size: Typically 20 to 30 feet tall and wide, forming a full, rounded canopy.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Oversized blooms and lush foliage create a commanding centerpiece.
• Specimen Tree: Excellent for open lawns, entries, and estate plantings.
• Mixed Borders: Pairs well with spring bulbs, flowering shrubs, and dark evergreens.
• Commercial Landscapes: High impact, low maintenance display for campuses and parks.
• Cottage or Woodland Gardens: Natural form adds structure and showiness.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist for the first 2 seasons; tolerates brief dry spells once established.
• Pruning: Minimal; shape lightly after flowering and remove dead or crossing wood.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer or compost in early spring if needed.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 to 3 inch mulch ring to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.
• Protection: Naturally resistant to common dogwood diseases with good airflow and drainage.

Why Choose Venus Dogwood?

• Massive White Flowers: Among the largest bracts of any dogwood.
• Exceptional Vigor: Fast growing with a broad, rounded crown.
• Disease Resistance: Bred for resilience to anthracnose and powdery mildew.
• Multi Season Beauty: Spectacular bloom, clean summer foliage, and rich fall color.
• Clean Landscape: Sterile selection produces no fruit for minimal litter.

Cornus x 'KN30-8' Venus delivers oversized bloom, durable health, and a full, elegant silhouette, making it a standout, low maintenance focal point for landscapes that demand maximum floral impact.