Cornus elliptica (syn. C. angustata) Chinese evergreen dogwood

Chinese evergreen dogwood is an attractive and so far not much cultivated taxon naturally occurring in a wide belt from the southeastern coast of China to the Himalayas and Nepal at altitudes from 300 to 2200 meters. Until the end of the 20th century, it was believed to be the same species as c. capitata but DNA studies at the beginning of the new millennium confirmed the difference, leaving each one with its own name.

Chinese dogwood differs from other common dogwoods (c. florida, c. kousa, c. alba etc.) in one essential feature – it is in leaf all year. Its evergreen leaves are slightly leathery, glossy, narrowly ovate with a conspicuous tip, drooping like pear tree leaves, medium green with bronze tones in season and burgundy red in winter. They are smaller than the leaves on the deciduous species and significantly narrower, which gives Chinese dogwood a more elegant character. During normal winters they are reliably evergreen and after longer and stronger frosts they can be exhausted and fall off in the spring being soon replaced by new ones.

Flowering occurs latest of all cornus species and boasts a long period from the beginning of June until about mid-July. The attractive part of the inflorescence are 4 glowing snow-white bracts 6-8 cm across surrounding small head hiding true, miniature flowers. They are followed by small, edible, pink fruits of a taste difficult to describe.

Chinese dogwood grows slowly into either a smaller tree or a large shrub. The final height has not been determined (tested) here yet, but it is assumed to be around 5 meters. The habit is conical and very dense. Pruning is not needed for thickening but is possible, ideally immediately after flowering.

Every dogwood likes acidic soil, rich in organic material, and always moist but well-drained soil. 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 be sure your dogwood will flower profusely and will be richer and healthier. Use of selective fertilizers supporting flowering and leaf colour is advised. Chinese evergreen dogwood is now being trialled in various environments and its reliable hardiness is so far confirmed down to -17 °C (USDA zone 7) with a chance of growing in zone 6, too, to be confirmed.

Last update 13-07-2022.