Cornus 'KN4-43' STARLIGHT^®

This dogwood comes from an interspecific hybridization of cornus kousa and cornus nuttallii. Dr. Elwin R. Orton from the Rutgers University of New Jersey, USA, was the man behind this work that began in 1973. The aim was to bring a plant with superior winter hardiness as well has resistance against the so-called dogwood decline in the USA caused by the anthracnose epidemic in the last decades of 20th century, and powdery mildew. Moreover, c. nuttallii is a fast and vigorous grower which is not a feature suitable for common-size gardens and the hybridization slowed down the growth rate as well as reduced the ultimate height. Recently, this hybrid received a specific name honouring the breeder’s name: x elwinortonii. Two varieties rose from this breeding, they are listed under a series name Jersey Star™. One is called VENUS^® and the other STARLIGHT^®.

STARLIGHT^® is a hybrid dogwood patented PP16293 in 2006, producing a profusion of large flowers. In fact, botanically they are flower bracts because the true flowers are miniature and composed in a small sphere. Therefore, the composition cannot be called inflorescence but involucre. It is 10-11 cm across and is made of typically 4 (exceptionally 5 or 6) broadly elliptic, almost snow-white bracts, much broader than those on c. kousa, to the extent that their margins may (not always) slightly overlap. Flowering begins in mid May and lasts for 3-4 weeks, weather conditions pending. Quantity and size of flowers vary from year to year.

Deciduous leaves are large, 10-11 long and 5-6 cm wide, acuminate, ovate, dark green, and do not curl or droop as much as foliage of their parents. In autumn they turn vibrant shades of orange and red. This dogwood is a faster grower compared to c. kousa and will eventually reach 6-8 m in height and 4-5 m in width. Pruning can keep it smaller and is possible immediately after flowering. Training it into a multistemmed tree does miracles in the landscape. It is resistant to diseases and borers.

STARLIGHT^® dogwood will look its best when planted as a free-standing specimen. In late spring it will have undivided attention thanks to its profuse flowering garden, and later you will be able to enjoy the structure of a densely leaved tree or tall shrub until autumn. If, however, your aim is to grow it in a mixed border, consider the companions carefully. We suggest combining it with compact or dwarf, or even ground-covering varieties only, so that each plant gets its attention. Yakushimanum rhododendrons, dwarf conifers, and/or evergreen groundcovers could do the job.

Every dogwood likes deep, 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 rest assured your dogwood will flower profusely and will be richer and healthier. Feeding is not recommended, but a selective fertilizer enhancing flowering and leaf colour may be considered if you are not convinced about your soil quality. STARLIGHT^® is guaranteed hardy to about -27 °C (USDA zone 5b) but bark split may occur in colder regions with long-lasting winters.

Last update 08-09-2021.