Cornus Capitata Information
Evergreen dogwood trees (Cornus capitata) are hardy down to USDA zone 8. They are native to east and Southeast Asia but can be grown in warm climates all over the world. They can grow as high as 50 feet (15 m.) in height, though they tend to top out between 20 and 40 feet (6-12 m.). In the summer, they produce very fragrant flowers, which are very small and surrounded by 4 to 6 bracts that are often mistaken for petals. The bracts come in shades of white, yellow, and pink. These flowers give way to very distinctive fruits that are actually dozens of tiny fruits fused together. These fruits are pink to red, about an inch in diameter (2.5 cm.), and round but bumpy. They are edible and sweet, but they can cause a litter problem if the tree is planted near a walkway. The leaves are dark and evergreen, though they are sometimes known to turn red to purple and partially drop in autumn.
How to Grow an Evergreen Dogwood Tree
Like many dogwood varieties, evergreen dogwood trees can thrive in both sun and shade. They do best in moist, clay or loam soil. They prefer acidity, but they can tolerate light alkalinity. They need a lot of water. The trees are monoecious, which means they can self-pollinate. It’s important to bear in mind, however, that they will not flower for 8 to 10 years if they are grown from seed. It’s best to start the trees from cuttings if you want to see flowers or fruit within the decade.
