Cornus elliptica
A bushy, evergreen to semi-evergreen small tree or shrub with thick, glossy, oval-shaped bright green foliage turning to purple in winter. Clusters of white flowers (bracts) appear in summer followed by red berries in the autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Purple |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Cornaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Cornus can be deciduous shrubs or trees, or creeping, woody-based perennials, some with brightly coloured young stems. Tiny flowers are borne in dense clusters, sometimes with showy bracts. Many have fine autumn colour
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to acid soil in sun or light shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings or grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
See pruning group 1
Pests
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose disease
Get involved
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