Cornus kousa 'TEUTONIA'

Teutonia is another extraordinary Japanese dogwood which, apart from its ornamental features, is valued mostly for its exquisite fruit. It is produced from small spheres, composed of tiny flowers that open from late May or early June. The showy parts are four surrounding bracts. They are broadly lance-shaped and emerge green, develop to clear creamy white, and mature to bright white with pink spots. Each bract is 6-8 cm large which makes the overall size of each inflorescence about 14-16 cm.

Japanese dogwoods are predominantly deciduous shrubs, older plants can be trained into small trees with spreading canopies. Their rich green leaves often show prominent veins, and turn deep red shades in autumn. They are drooping just like pear tree leaves, and it is it normal, yet often mistaken for a disease. Unlike American dogwood this type blooms along with leaves which serve excellent background for the white flowers.

Japanese dogwood's fruit is edible and in case of Teutonia it is perhaps the tastiest of all varieties we have had so far. The litchi-like fruit is spherical, 2-3 cm wide, and ripens in late August. Its bright pink skin is not as tough as with other varieties and can be eaten along with the soft and sweet, really delicious flesh. Just beware of birds who love it, too, and are attracted by the fruit colour. It is a monoecious plant = it does not require another plant to produce fruit.

Usual height in our climate is 2-3 meters and it keeps an upright shape, not as prostrate as other dogwoods. In open areas and in countries with mild winters it can reach about twice as tall and wide. Teutonia was bred by German nursery Wüstenmeyer.

It prefers acidic, moist, and fertile soil, and withstands windy areas. Full sun is best but partial shade will do no harm. Pruning is usually not recommended but is possible immediately after flowering. Fully hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 08-12-2008; 28-02-2018