About
Cornus capitata is a bushy, evergreen tree or shrub characterized by its grey-green leaves, which can reach lengths of up to 12 cm. During the summer months, it produces clusters of green flowers measuring approximately 1.5 cm in diameter, each enveloped by cream-white bracts that are 4-5 cm long. After flowering, the plant bears drooping, strawberry-like fruits.
About the genus
Cornus includes a variety of deciduous shrubs and trees, as well as prostrate, woody perennials, some featuring vibrant young stems. The small flowers appear in compact clusters, occasionally accompanied by prominent bracts. Several species display attractive foliage in the fall.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Pakistan to SE Asia
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, humus-rich well-drained neutral to acid soil in sun or partial shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1 but best with minimal pruning
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in autumn or stratify and sow in spring or propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus