Overview

Cornus hemsleyi is a bushy shrubs in the genus Cornus, part of the Cornaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cornus hemsleyi grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.

About

Cornus hemsleyi is a species of dogwood found in Gansu, Guizhou, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan provinces of China at elevations of 1000–4000 meters. It is native to China North-Central, China South-Central, Myanmar, Qinghai and Tibet. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Cornus hemsleyi

About the genus

Cornus is a genus of about 30–60 species of woody plants in the family Cornaceae, commonly known as dogwoods or cornels, which can generally be distinguished by their blossoms, berries, and distinctive bark. Most are deciduous trees or shrubs, but a few species are nearly herbaceous perennial subshrubs, and some species are evergreen. Several species have small heads of inconspicuous flowers surrounded by an involucre of large, typically white petal-like bracts, while others have more open clusters of petal-bearing flowers.

Wikipedia contributors, "Cornus", CC BY-SA 4.0Cornus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cornus

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Cornus hemsleyi size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cornus hemsleyi

Propagation
Propagate by seed or 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

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Cornus hemsleyi?

Cornus hemsleyi prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Cornus hemsleyi need?

Cornus hemsleyi is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

Is Cornus hemsleyi hardy in the UK?

Cornus hemsleyi has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Cornus hemsleyi?

Propagate by seed or hardwood cuttings.

More in the Cornus genus

Browse all Cornus