Cornus hongkongensis
Hong Kong Dogwood
Southern China, Hong Kong, East Asia
Overview
Cornus hongkongensis is an evergreen tree or large shrub in the Cornaceae family, growing 13-30 feet (4-9 m) tall and 10-20 feet (3-6 m) wide, with a rounded crown of glossy, leathery dark green leaves 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) long. Unlike the deciduous flowering dogwoods, it holds its foliage through winter in mild climates. In late spring to early summer, small flower clusters are surrounded by four broad creamy-white bracts 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) across that resemble petals. These are followed in autumn by rounded compound fruits about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide that ripen red and resemble a strawberry; the fruit is edible but bland. It is native to southern China, Hong Kong, and nearby parts of East Asia, where it grows in evergreen broadleaf forest. It is hardy to about 15F (-9C) and grows in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. It needs shelter from hard frost and drying wind. Young plants establish slowly.
Native Range
Cornus hongkongensis is native to southern China, Hong Kong, and adjoining parts of East Asia, where it grows in moist evergreen broadleaf forest. It occurs on hill slopes and along streams.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen and small shade tree, an evergreen screen, and a woodland-garden tree, spaced 12-18 feet (3.7-5.5 m) apart. It suits sheltered gardens in mild-winter climates. The white bracts in spring and red fruit in autumn give two seasons of interest.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height13'1" - 29'6"
Width/Spread9'10" - 19'8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
The true flowers are small and green, opening in late spring to early summer surrounded by four creamy-white bracts that last several weeks, roughly May to June in the Northern Hemisphere. Bees and other insects visit the flower clusters. Red compound fruits ripen in autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part shade to full sun in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with an acidic to neutral pH of 5.5-7.0. Water needs are medium, and the roots are kept evenly moist but never waterlogged, often with mulch. It is hardy to about 15F (-9C) and benefits from shelter from hard frost and drying wind. In hot climates light afternoon shade reduces leaf scorch. Growth is slow to moderate, especially while young.Pruning
Little pruning is needed beyond removing dead or crossing branches after flowering. It tolerates light shaping but flowers on established wood, so heavy pruning reduces the next season's bracts. Any pruning is done in summer after the bracts fade.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer