Overview
Cornus hongkongensis is a bushy shrubs in the genus Cornus, part of the Cornaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around Higher than 12 metres tall and 4-8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Cornus hongkongensis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden. It is native to China and Laos & Vietnam.
About
Cornus hongkongensis is a versatile plant that can grow as either a shrub or a tree, typically reaching heights of approximately 15 meters in cultivated settings. Its leaves are glossy, evergreen, and vary in shape from oblong to elliptic, often exhibiting a coppery-red hue in their juvenile stage. During the spring season, the plant produces clusters of small, greenish flowers, each cluster being enveloped by prominent creamy-white bracts that can measure up to 4 centimeters in length. Following the flowering period, it may yield rounded fruits that range in color from red to yellowish-red.
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
Best soil and position for Cornus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Cornus hongkongensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- China, Laos & Vietnam
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cornus hongkongensis
- 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
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or 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
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cornus hongkongensis?
Grow in fertile, humus-rich well-drained neutral to acid soil in sun or partial shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation.
Where is the best place to plant Cornus hongkongensis?
Cornus hongkongensis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cornus hongkongensis need?
Cornus hongkongensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Cornus hongkongensis?
Pruning group 1.
How big does Cornus hongkongensis grow?
Cornus hongkongensis reaches a height of Higher than 12 metres and a spread of 4-8 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Cornus hongkongensis hardy in the UK?
Cornus hongkongensis has a UK hardiness rating of H4.
How do I propagate Cornus hongkongensis?
Propagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings.