What is the prettiest Kousa Dogwood that is on the market now for leaf color and flower color?
Question:I am looking for a new cultavar of Kousa dogwood for my landscape, but I am not sure what would be a good choice. I was looking at Wildwood Farms and he has a new one called VariRed, but he states it doesn't hold its red color all summer. I also was looking at a kousa called Temple Jewel which is suppose to be a lightly variegated yellow and green. Any suggestions would be appricated, John
Answers:
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." What is important is what you like in a Kousa dogwood. I like interesting foliage because foliage is maintained through the growing season and blooms are fleeting. 'Akabana' has an interesting texture with its puckered leaves. Almost like a hosta. 'Temple Jewel' have good foliage interest. Reminds me of a tropical plant. 'Gold Star' is a very nice variegated Kousa dogwood: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consu...
'Wolf Eyes' is another variegated cultivar (a little bit too much for me): http://www.ca.uky.edu/hla/dunwell/cornus...
There are weeping forms in 'Lustgarten Weeping' and 'Elizabeth Lustgarten' cultivars. 'Blue Shadow' is a new cultivar with blue green foliage. 'Cherokee Brave' is another new cultivar. Bloom is a deep red. New growth is burgundy red, turning dark rich green with age. Leaves are large and glossy. 'Samaritan Dogwood' has variegated creamy white and green foliage. This new selection is the strongest and most vigorous variegated dogwood. The fall foliage consists of radiant pink and burgundy hues, with strawberry-like fruit.
The last link is a good cultivar list (though not complete) with pics (not all the pics are there yet).
"Autumn Rose" is a good choice. Leaves are light green when new and pink to red in fall. It grows 20 ft. tall to 25 ft wide.
Good Luck!!
"Wolf Eyes" ; "Summer Stars "
Wolf Eyes is a variegated white one . Just saw one on the way home , & it really stands out , compared to other variegated Dogwoods .
Summer Stars holds it's flower bracts longer than any other . They are still on , even as the fruit turn red . I've seen them as late as Sept. 1st.
Does it have to be a Kousa ? "Cherokee Sunset" is a red-flowered , gold-variegated C. florida, that is resistent to borers and anthracnose.
More Related Questions & Answers...