Cornus kousa Couronne - Flowering Dogwood

The Cornus kousa 'Couronne' is a recent horticultural selection with multiple attractions. This Japanese Dogwood forms a medium-sized bush in the shape of a pagoda, taller than it is wide, whereas most other varieties tend to spread in width. Its flowering is also quite distinctive, with beautiful white curved bracts resembling an immaculate royal crown. Its beautiful foliage takes on warm autumn colours that create stunning scenes in the garden. Very hardy and less difficult to grow than its cousin, Cornus florida, this beautiful bush undoubtedly deserves to be planted more, especially since its dimensions are suitable even for smaller spaces.

The Dogwood belongs to the small family of Cornaceae, which, after several reclassifications, now includes only the genera Cornus and Alangium. In nature, Cornus kousa is a tree with small growth, or a large bush, native to Japan, China, and Korea. Its architectural silhouette, supported by staggered and horizontal branches, gives it a Japanese appearance. The botanical species has given rise to several horticultural varieties, the result of breeders' work.
'Couronne' is a recent creation with original characteristics. With relatively slow growth, the bush will reach 3m (10ft) in height, or slightly more, but rarely exceed 1m (3ft) in width. These unusual proportions and its pagoda-like habit give it a very interesting graphical aspect, well suited to contemporary, Japanese, or exotic style gardens. Its flowering, which appears in May and extends into June, is also very unique in its unprecedented form. The inflorescences are typically composed of a central cluster of small flowers, clustered together to form a sort of small greenish cone, vaguely resembling a blackberry. Four white bracts are inserted into it, each about 5 or 6cm (2in) long, which are mistakenly admired as flowers (they are transformed leaves). The novelty here lies in the downward curvature of the bracts, which appear to form the framework of a crown surmounted by the cluster, the latter reigning at the top like a diamond. Very floriferous, the bush offers a surprising spectacle that attracts all eyes in spring.
The flowers are followed by fruits measuring 2.5cm (1in) in diameter, red or orange in colour. The higher the summer temperatures, the more generous the fruiting. Conversely, if the summer is cold and humid, the flowering will be affected the following year... The foliage of this cultivar is quite similar to other varieties, with elliptical-shaped leaves and pointed tips. The veins are clearly visible and the surface of the leaf blade, a fairly dark green, is slightly shiny. In autumn, with the onset of cold weather, the leaves turn red, orange, purple and other warm ornamental shades.

The Cornus kousa 'Couronne' thrives in continental climates, with marked summers and winters, but performs well in milder areas too. In hot regions, it should be placed in a sheltered spot away from scorching sun, and everywhere, protected from strong winds. This Japanese Dogwood is particularly interesting for small gardens due to its narrow habit. It will be easy to find a place for it in a varied plant bed, alongside other ornamental plants with similar needs. The Chinese Azaleas will allow you to create sumptuous colour contrasts, especially the Azalea mollis Koster's Brilliant Red with its spring bouquets of orange-red trumpets. To extend the flowering season of your plant bed into early spring, treat yourself to the incredible Magnolia x soulangeana Megalonia, with gigantic rose-purple flowers up to 30cm (12in) in diameter in March-April. And for summer blooms, nothing beats the Hydrangeas available in an incredible range of colours and sizes. The varieties of Camellia sasanqua will offer you their romantic blooms late in the season and even during winter for some.