Cornus kousa x Cornus capitata ’Eric Gennet’

Description

Cornus kousa ‘Eric Gennet’ – Hybrid Flowering Dogwood

Rich Pink-Red Flowers, Ornamental Fruit & Autumn Colour in a Compact, Architectural Tree

Botanical Name: Cornus kousa ‘Eric Gennet’
Common Name: Eric Gennet Dogwood
Origin: Hybrid cultivar of Cornus kousa

Description:
Cornus ‘Eric Gennet’ is a highly ornamental, small deciduous tree noted for its spectacular pink to reddish-pink floral bracts, compact form, and striking seasonal changes. A standout within the Cornus kousa group, ‘Eric Gennet’ offers multi-season interest – from its richly coloured spring flowers and summer foliage to its bold autumn hues and decorative fruit.

Flowering begins in late spring to early summer, with rounded, four-petalled bracts in saturated tones of deep pink to ruby red. These bracts surround inconspicuous central flowers and provide long-lasting colour over several weeks. In summer, rounded red fruit resembling raspberries appear, adding further ornamental and wildlife value. In autumn, the foliage transforms to fiery shades of red, orange, and burgundy, creating a vivid seasonal display.

The tree has a naturally upright yet broadly rounded shape with tiered, horizontal branches. It is ideal for compact gardens, feature plantings, or woodland-style borders where structured form and showy seasonal colour are desired.

Specifications:

• Mature Height: 3.5 – 5 metres

• Mature Width: 3 – 4 metres

• Form: Upright, rounded habit with layered branching

• Foliage: Dark green, ovate leaves turning brilliant red, orange, and burgundy in autumn

• Flowering Time: Late spring to early summer (October–November)

• Bracts: Large, deep pink to red-pink, surrounding small central flower heads

• Fruit: Red, spherical, ornamental and bird-attracting

• Bark: Grey to brown, developing a mottled, exfoliating texture with age

Position & Uses:

• Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade

• Soil Preferences: Moist, fertile, well-drained soils with slightly acidic to neutral pH

• Ideal Uses:

  • Feature or focal point tree

  • Cottage and ornamental gardens

  • Layered woodland plantings

  • Small urban or courtyard gardens

Care & Maintenance:

• Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds

• Water during extended dry periods, especially when young

• Light pruning post-flowering to shape if required

• Protect from hot, drying winds during establishment

Climate Suitability:

• Suited to cool and temperate regions

• Frost hardy

• Best in sheltered positions with moderate summer heat

Key Features:

• Deep pink-red flowering bracts – rare in dogwoods

• Compact size suitable for urban and residential landscapes

• Stunning autumn foliage and fruiting interest

• Layered structure provides winter form and texture

Introduce architectural elegance and vibrant colour to your garden with Cornus kousa ‘Eric Gennet’, now available from Blerick Tree Farm.