Cornus florida ‘Venus’ is a deciduous cultivar particularly appreciated for its exceptional flowering and its elegant, compact appearance.

This variety stands out for its very large white bracts, which can reach up to 15 cm in diameter, much larger than standard Cornus florida varieties. These bracts are actually modified leaves that surround the small, inconspicuous true flowers clustered in the central inflorescences. Flowering occurs between late April and early May, before the leaves have fully unfolded.

The habit of Cornus florida ‘Venus’ is rounded, compact, and neat, with relatively slow and controlled growth, making it suitable even for medium and small spaces. It reaches about 3-4 meters in height and width, making it ideal for home gardens, large terraces, or as a border plant in larger landscape settings.

The summer leaves are a deep, intense green, forming a dense and harmonious canopy. In autumn, before falling, they turn a vivid purplish-red, adding an extra decorative touch even during the cold season.

Thanks to its hybrid origin, it shows improved tolerance to leaf diseases and is less susceptible to pest attacks. It requires well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soil but should avoid waterlogging, which could compromise the plant’s health. The ideal location is in full sun or partial shade, preferably sheltered from cold winds or strong drafts.

The plant benefits from light pruning to maintain a harmonious shape and to remove any dead or damaged branches, preferably done immediately after flowering.

→ Discover Cercis chinensis ‘Avondale’, another type of flowering plant with a limited height