Cornus capitata ssp. angustata Empress of China® PP14537

Scientific Name: Cornus capitata ssp. angustata 'Elsbry'

Also Known As

Cornus angustata 'Elsbury'
Cornus angustata 'Empress of China'
Empress of China® Dogwood

Plant type

tree

size

H: 10'-18'
W: 10'-18'

planting zones

6a-9b

More Options

Cornus capitata ssp. angustata Empress of China® PP14537 plant details

Cornus capitata ssp. angustata Empress of China® PP14537 is a fast-growing broadleaf evergreen tree with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts birds. Grows well with mostly shade - shade and regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cornus capitata ssp. angustata Empress of China® PP14537

Plant type: tree
Plant family: cornaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 10 FT - 18 FT - wide, 10 FT - 18 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: fall color, floriferous, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cornus capitata ssp. angustata Empress of China® PP14537

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly shade - shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Elsbry' or Empress of Chinaâ„¢ is a hybrid Chinese Dogwood with evergreen leaves, highly prolific flowering, and translucent strawberry-like fruit late in the season. Unlike most evergreen plants which tend to grow slower, Empress of China Dogwood grows very quickly and makes an excellent small to medium sized tree. Still difficult to find in the nursery trade due to availability but these plants always draw quite a bit of attention in the spring when in full flower. The branches will be nearly completely covered in cream white blooms in mid spring for weeks, and then the fruit carry on the show in late summer and early fall.

These plants grow well in the southern states if given some afternoon shade. Luckily, as one of the parent species of this hybrid is Cornus kousa, Empress of China is very disease resistant to many of the problems that plague dogwoods in the south. We have also found it to be more resistant to powdery mildew than other dogwoods, which we suspect is due to the tough and glossy leaves.

By: Red Panda Nursery

An evergreen dogwood from our friend John Elsley's garden in Greenwood, S.C. John found this fine cultivar at a local big box store. The small tree will be covered with thousands of white bracts in late spring.

By: Gossler Farms

We predict this will become one of the most popular new plant introductions for many years to come. Evergreen foliage is a huge asset, but the prolific blooms must be seen to be believed. Up to 150 blooms on a single branch have been reported. Flowers are brilliant white fading to green centers. Seeds are encased in strawberry like fruits. Grows to 10-15 foot tall and wide after 10 to 15 years.