Cornus ‘Venus’ (Giant-Flowered Dogwood)
Price range: €120.00 through €205.00
Description
Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Cornus ‘Venus’
- Common Name: Giant-Flowered Dogwood
- Plant Type: Deciduous small tree / large shrub
- Mature Size: Approx. 4–6m tall x 3–5m wide (over time)
- Position: Sun or partial shade (sheltered is best)
- Soil: Moist but free-draining, humus-rich, slightly acidic to neutral
- Hardiness: Very hardy in Ireland & the UK once established
- Best Feature: Enormous creamy-white “flowers” (bracts) in early summer, plus rich autumn colour
A Standout at RHS Chelsea
There are plants that are beautiful… and then there are plants that stop you mid-step. Cornus ‘Venus’ is firmly in the second camp — and it’s no surprise it’s been turning heads as a standout at this year’s RHS Chelsea.
In early summer, it dresses itself in oversized, creamy-white bracts (often 12–15cm across) that glow in the garden like lanterns. The effect is elegant, uplifting, and quietly dramatic — the kind of plant that makes a space feel considered, calm, and just a little bit special.
Why We Love It
- Big, luminous blooms that read from a distance (and look even better up close)
- A graceful, architectural shape as it matures — perfect as a focal point
- Season-long interest: fresh green leaves in spring, showy flowers in summer, then deep reds and purples in autumn
- A “garden-maker” for anyone who wants impact without fuss
Where to Plant Cornus ‘Venus’
This is a plant that deserves a little stage of its own. Give it space to spread and let the flowers be seen — near a patio, at the end of a view, or as a centrepiece in a lawn or generous border.
It’s happiest in sun or dappled shade, somewhere sheltered from harsh winds, in soil that doesn’t dry out completely in summer.
Care Notes
- Watering: Water well in the first 1–2 seasons, especially in dry spells.
- Mulch: A spring mulch (composted bark/leaf mould) helps keep roots cool and soil moist.
- Pruning: Minimal. Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in late winter/early spring.
- Feeding: A balanced spring feed supports strong growth and flowering.
Caragh Garden Notebook
If you’re building a garden that feels like a place to exhale — somewhere you’ll want to linger with a cup of tea, or wander out barefoot on a bright June morning — Cornus ‘Venus’ is one of those rare plants that brings instant atmosphere. It’s soft, romantic, and confident all at once. A true showpiece, without ever shouting.
Additional information
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