Cornus kousa ----Cornus k. var chinensis info

Discussion in 'Cornus (dogwoods)' started by Autic, Mar 26, 2008.

  1. Autic

    Autic Member

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    I'm looking to know the marked differences between Cornus kousa, and the variety chinenses.


    Is it just the bracts are larger and pure white on chinensis?

    Thankyou.
     
  2. HortLine

    HortLine Active Member 10 Years

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    Here is a sampling of trees in the Dogwood family ( chinensis) that will outline the main differences or variations from that of the species ( kousa). It really does matter which tree you select: if you are looking for a tree as a specimen plant that is especially true.

    var. chinensis - The flowers (Vis. 4) are somewhat larger
    than the species and the tree may be slightly larger.
    var. chinensis 'Blue Shadow' - Foliage is bluish.
    var. chinensis 'Galzam' (Galilean TM) - A form with large
    leaves and bracts. The form is vase-shaped becoming
    rounded.
    var. chinensis 'Milky Way' - A (Vis. 5) free flowering
    cultivar.
    var. chinensis 'Milky Way Select' - A selection with a
    profuse and long lasting flower display.
    var. chinensis 'Propzam' (Prophet TM) - Large clusters of
    flowers.
    var. chinensis 'Samzam' (Samaritan TM) - A vigorous form
    with green and white foliage that turns burgundy and
    pink in the fall.
     
  3. Autic

    Autic Member

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    Thankyou for the information. -A
     
  4. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Morphological characteristics of cultivated plants not uniformly those of one var. or the other. However

    Trees grown under the chinensis label show excellent vigor, a bit earlier flowering than the species, large, broad bracts, and excellent fall foliage color. Wilson (1913) indicated that "this Chinese form will probably prove a better plant under cultivation than the Japanese form with which gardeners are familiar." He definitely hit the nail on the head. Many of the better, more vigorous cultivars on the market are selections of var. chinensis.

    --Cappiello/Shadow, Dogwoods (Timber Press)
     

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