Cornus kousa Weisse Fontaine - Flowering Dogwood

The 'Weisse Fontaine' variety of Cornus kousa is remarkable thanks to its elegant and trailing habit. It gets its name from the fact that it resembles a fountain when it is covered with a multitude of white flowers in early summer. This flowering cascade is followed by the appearance of small red berries similar to strawberries in September. Before the leaves fall in autumn, the foliage of this Japanese Dogwood turns red and sets its surroundings alight. The natural elegance of this shrub, its hardiness and its minimal care requirements make it very enjoyable to grow. It looks glorious in a large garden but is also perfect in a small space. Its slow growth even allows it to be grown in a pot to decorate a terrace or large balcony.

The Cornus kousa is a small tree native to Japan, China and Korea. Its architectural silhouette, drawn by its layered and horizontal branches as well as its compact and spreading habit, evokes an oriental landscape. This small tree, which measures between 4 and 5 metres (13 feet 1 inches and 16 feet 5 inches), is not lacking in personality. In early summer, its deep green foliage is adorned with a profusion of white flowers giving the illusion of a freshly spread mantle of snow . These are actually green corymbs that give rise to well-defined solitary star-shaped flower heads composed of 4 pointed bracts. The longevity of the flowers, which turn pink before fading, enchants the garden for weeks. In September, the Flowering Dogwood is covered with small red fruits, similar to strawberries. The higher the summer temperatures, the more generous the fruiting. The fruits are edible, fleshy, with a sweet taste, but do not have any real gastronomic interest. They still provide a certain ornamental value that adds an extra touch of whimsy to the tree. The leaves of the Cornus kousa are deciduous, oval, slightly undulating on the edges, of a bright green colour. They measure between 5 and 8 cm (2 and 3.1 in) and are opposite each other along the stem. In autumn, they offer a flamboyant spectacle as they turn incandescent red before falling. The powerful decorative power of flowering dogwoods has encouraged nurserymen to obtain new varieties with different characteristics.

The 'Weisse Fontaine' Japanese Dogwood is remarkable thanks to its slender appearance and arched branches. It has a slightly pendulous conical habit as well as remarkably generous flowering and fruiting. When it is in bloom in early summer, it gives the illusion of a water fall rising towards the sky and then spreading to the ground. In autumn, it takes on the appearance of a flame shooting into the air as its foliage ignites with incandescent colours. At maturity, this Cornus measures about 5m (16 ft 5 in) in height with a spread of 4m. It will easily enhance a modern garden with a minimalist style, but also a Japanese garden thanks to its pronounced asymmetry.

The Japanese Dogwood 'Weisse Fontaine' thrives in mild or cool climates. Extremely cold temperatures can result in absent or reduced flowering. However, this shrub is very hardy and can withstand frosts of at least -15°C. It tolerates sunny exposures in areas with moderately hot summers. In hot areas, it should be planted in a sheltered spot away from scorching sun. The Cornus kousa 'Weisse Fontaine' likes fertile, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate clay soils as long as it is protected from excessive moisture, especially in winter. Plant it in a deep hole lined with clay pellets, coarse sand or gravel to ensure good drainage. When planting, add compost and ericaceous soil. A mulch of pine bark will help maintain freshness and soil acidity. This Cornus is still rare in gardens but yet very easy to grow once it has been properly planted. Pruning is not obligatory but can be done at the end of winter to remove diseased or dead wood and crossing branches in order to maintain an attractive habit. During the first two years after planting, regular watering is necessary in summer. Resistant to diseases and low-maintenance, it knows how to blend in while still standing out!

The Japanese Dogwood 'Weisse Fontaine' is a visually appealing plant that can be appreciated for an extended period. It deserves to be the centre of attention and can be planted alone, standing in the middle of a lawn. Alternatively, it can complement the background of a flower bed composed of heath plants. It will look beautiful alongside the bright red tones of a Rhododendron 'Melville' or the delicate and luminous foliage of a Japanese Maple 'Senkaki'. Its slow growth and relatively modest size allow it to be grown in large containers. This Cornus kousa will add character to all styles of terraces as long as it is watered copiously in the summer.