Great Plant Pick: Cornus × elwinortonii, Venus dogwood.

Published 1:30 am Saturday, May 12, 2018

What: Cornus × elwinortonii, commonly called Venus dogwood. This newer dogwood boasts a profusion of large, creamy white flowers with a nubbin of green in the center. The flowers, or bracts, may be up to 6 inches across and stand out against the lustrous green foliage. In autumn the fruit are small red orbs, somewhat reminiscent of strawberries, and the leaves offer a palette of red, orange, and purple.

Where: Plant in rich, well-drained soil with full sun to light or open shade.

Size: This deciduous tree grows to 25 feet tall by 25 feet wide when mature.

Care: Water frequently to regularly until established, at least two years. After that, water regularly to occasionally in summertime depending on the soil. If the soil is sandy and extremely well-drained or dry, water regularly or frequently during dry weather.

— Richie Steffens, Great Plant Picks