Description
Cornus kousa x elwinortonii ‘Jersey Star’ Starlight® Dogwood is a remarkable hybrid dogwood known for its stunning star-shaped white bracts that elegantly surround the inconspicuous true flowers, creating a striking floral display in late spring. This cultivar combines the best traits of the kousa and elwinortonii species, boasting excellent disease resistance, particularly to dogwood anthracnose, and robust adaptability to a range of climates and soils. Its compact, rounded form makes it an excellent choice for both small gardens and larger landscapes, offering multi-season interest with attractive fall foliage that turns shades of red and purple, as well as distinctive exfoliating bark in winter. Developed through careful hybridization efforts aimed at enhancing ornamental appeal and hardiness, ‘Starlight’® has become a favored selection among landscape professionals and gardeners seeking a reliable and visually captivating flowering tree. Recognized for its ornamental excellence, this cultivar has been celebrated within horticultural circles for combining beauty and resilience in a manageable size, making it a standout in the Cornus genus.