Dogwood, Japanese Cornel ‘Lemon Zest’

Description:

Check out this one, a tree that begins blooming in late winter to early spring, sometimes pushing out it’s cheery color even before the snow is gone! Sure, it can’t compete with the showy blossoms of mid-late spring but coming when they do, brightening up the drab winter landscape, they’re simply fantastic. Unfortunately, it’s rarely seen in contemporary landscapes which is unjustifiable, given its pleasant ornamental attributes and tough constitution. The foliage is a rich green and free restant to fungal diseases. Even the bark is handsome!

‘Lemon Zest’ is an improved cultivar with flowers that are almost double the size of the species. It was developed by the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia and is arguably the best cultivar of the species.

To get the best effect of the spring flowers and handsome bark, situate it in front of a dark green, fine textured conifer such as oriental spruce.