Cornus kousa Big Apple

Cornus kousa 'Big Apple' (big apple) is a variety of Japanese Dogwood, named for the size of its fruits, which are significantly larger than those of other varieties. In spring, the bush dazzles with its immaculate white flowering that covers the foliage like a swarm of butterflies. In summer, the large pink-red fruits are also decorative and can be eaten. When autumn comes, the foliage provides a spectacular display of vibrant colours. It is a hardy dogwood that requires little maintenance. It just needs a neutral to acidic, moist soil, and a sunny to semi-shaded exposure.

Dogwoods belong to the botanical family Cornaceae. The Cornus genus includes several dozen species of deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs, often ornamental. Cornus kousa (synonym Benthamia japonica) is native to Korea and Japan, where it is locally called Yamaboushi. This species is also found in northern India and up to Bhutan. In these countries, it forms large shrubs up to 6m high and even small trees up to 10m. It was introduced into our European parks and gardens around 1875.
'Big Apple' is a vigorous American selection, with a spreading silhouette as wide as it is tall, forming layers of vegetation. In ten years of planting, it generally reaches a height of 3m and the same in width, while at maturity, it can reach 5 or 6m in height and width. The elliptical leaves have a regular shape and measure about 10cm long and 5cm wide. They are a beautiful glossy dark green with clearly visible lighter veins. The habit is relatively flat, with layers that create the distinctive pattern of the bush. This dark vegetation is perfect for highlighting the clear flowering that appears towards the end of May. The inflorescences are about 10cm in diameter, composed of clusters of small true, green flowers surrounded by four wide and pointed bracts forming a star. These white bracts, sometimes mistaken for flowers, are transformed leaves. The abundant flowering covers the plant, creating a magnificent scene in June. This Dogwood is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful flowering shrubs in spring. Carried by peduncles that slightly elevate them above the foliage, the inflorescences resemble a colony of white butterflies that have chosen the bush to rest. The bracts persist for a few weeks after the pollination of the true flowers. After they fall, the true central flowers transform into fruits approximately 3cm in diameter, larger than those of other varieties. They are pink to red and round, bristling with small protuberances that correspond to the old flowers, they have a real decorative interest in summer. They are also edible, with a slightly sweet flesh (although they do not have a real taste appeal). Autumn marks a new ornamental episode for this Dogwood, which, under the effect of the first frosts, takes on a dazzling colours. Gradually, the green of the foliage gives way to a flaming orange-red, once again placing this shrub in the list of the best autumn colours in the garden. The deciduous leaves eventually fall to the ground, forming a decorative carpet until the first gust of wind...

The 'Big Apple' Dogwood deserves its place in the garden, either as a specimen on a lawn or integrated into a diverse flowerbed, in the background. Plant the beautiful Chinese Azalea 'Homebush' at its feet, which will reward you with its clusters of small pink star-shaped flowers in April-May. To extend the flowering period into summer, choose one of the many Hydrangeas available, rich in various forms and colours. For autumn, nothing beats a few plants of Camellia sasanqua for your flowerbed, and to complete the circle, consider adding a Hamamelis vernalis 'Washington Park', whose filamentous purple flowers will amaze you from January to March. A garden in bloom all year round is possible if you choose your shrubs wisely!