Cornus capitata

RHS Plant Profile
Himalayan evergreen dogwood

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Himalayan evergreen dogwood RHS
Himalayan evergreen dogwood RHS

Other common names

Bentham's cornel, headed-flowered dogwood

Synonyms

Benthamidia fragifera
Benthamidia capitata
Benthamia.1 fragifera

Shrubs Trees
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A spreading bushy evergreen tree or shrub with grey-green leaves to12cm long. In summer green flower clusters 1.5cm across are produced and surrounded by cream-white bracts 4-5cm long. Flowers are followed by pendent strawberry-like fruits

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cornaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
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
Pakistan to SE Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, humus-rich well-drained neutral to acid soil in sun or partial shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed in autumn or stratify and sow in spring or propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden

Pruning

Pruning group 1 but best with minimal pruning

Pests

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus