Cornus kousa 'SCHMETTERLING' Japanese dogwood

Schmetterling is a European variety of Japanese dogwood. Its main feature that sets it apart from other dogwoods is its vigorous and upright growth. Young plants do not make many lateral branches as much as older, mature trees which produce longer branches in the upper parts of the plant, and tend to bend with age.

Its flowers are creamy-white and appear in early summer. Technically, they are not flowers but 4 flower bracts composed around small flower heads. They are up to 10 cm wide and conspicuous as they come out in June when the shrub is fully leafed, making them a dense, green background. Fully established plants flower profusely and reliably every year.Pointed leaves are deciduous, ovate, dark green and slightly drooping. The best show begins in early autumn when they turn to orangey- or vivid-red or bright purple.

Every dogwood likes acidic soil, rich in organic material, and always moist. Some gardeners advise planting it in semi-shade to reduce summer sunlight but we do not recommend that. Plant it in full sun and mulch the roots well. In dry spells provide extra watering and thus you can be sure your dogwood will flower profusely and will be richer and healthier. Use of selective fertilizers supporting flowering and leaf colour is advised. Fully hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 17-12-2008