Photo of Cornus capitata flower, foliage by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Show all photos

Cornus capitata

Also Known As

  • Bentham's Cornel
  • Evergreen Dogwood
  • Himalayan Dogwood

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 20'-40'
  • W: 40'

planting zones

  • 8a-9b

More Options

Cornus capitata plant details

Cornus capitata is a broadleaf evergreen or semi-evergreen tree with bronze and green foliage. In spring and summer cream and pink flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Does well in acidic, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cornus capitata

Plant type: tree
Plant family: cornaceae
Foliage: evergreen or semi-evergreen bronze and green
Mature size: 20 - 40 FT - wide, 20 FT - 40 FT - tall
Flowers: cream and pink blooms in spring and summer
Uses: cut leaves, fall color, winter interest, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cornus capitata

USDA Zones: 8a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This handsome evergreen tree is lovely in both flower and fruit. Reaching 2-40' with a rounded-head and rich, glossy deep green-leaves. Gorgeous, buttery, large sulfur-yellow flowers become crimson 1-2" strawberry-like fruits. It is often referred to as the Himalayan Strawberry Tree in reference to the showy fruit. This tree may lose it leaves in severe winters. S-PSh/M
The Himalayan Evergreen Dogwood is a fantastic species that is similar to Cornus kousa (Japanese Dogwood) in appearance but grows larger and has evergreen leaves. The flowers generally emerge a cream-yellow and age to white over several weeks during the spring, by late summer the flowers give way to ornamental red fruit about an inch in diameter. Due to the size and color of the fruit, this species is also commonly known as the Chinese Strawberry Tree. In climates with warm winters the leaves will remain evergreen, in colder climates the leaves will generally drop in early winter. Reportedly Himalayan Evergreen Dogwoods can be grown in zone 6 but will generally remain shorter in stature with leaf drop in late fall.
This species of dogwood is highly resistant to the anthracnose blight which affects some other dogwood species and these trees can be planted safely in high infestation areas.

An elegant, large evergreen shrub or small tree, this slow growing Dogwood is a perfect anchor for the shrubby border. Handsome, curved leathery leaves with light green veins provide a pleasing texture and turn bronze in the winter months. Button-like flower heads surrounded by creamy yellow bracts precede the long lasting, prominent, pinkish red strawberry-shaped fruit that appears in November and can be brought inside as a colorful complement to holiday greenery. Hardy to zone 8.

Gardening facts about Cornus capitata plant

How to Grow Cornus capitata

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • bronze
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • cream
    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved