Dogwood (Cornus elliptica)

Overview

Cornus elliptica, commonly known as Dogwood, offers gardeners a unique alternative to the more common flowering varieties. This Asian native provides visual interest throughout the year, maintaining its status as an evergreen or semi-evergreen tree even through cooler months. Its structure makes it a fantastic specimen planting.

This deciduous Dogwood is prized for its performance in the landscape, featuring glossy, bright green foliage that transitions to a deep purplish hue in winter before dropping for new spring growth. It is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 9.

Aesthetically, the Dogwood delivers distinct white bracts—the showy parts of the “flower”—in early summer, providing late-season color that many other bloomers lack. With manageable size, this Cornus elliptica is perfect for residential settings where a mid-sized flowering focal point is desired.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Cornaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Native Range: Eastern Asia to western China
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 15-20 ft
  • Spread: 12-15 ft
• Bloom Time: June to July
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For optimal growth, site your Cornus elliptica where it can receive full sun to partial shade, preferring the latter in hotter climates. The most crucial factor for this Dogwood is soil quality; it thrives in organically rich, well-drained, sandy soils with consistently medium moisture levels. Planting during the dormant season (fall or early spring) is generally best to allow for root establishment before summer heat.

Establish a consistent watering routine, especially during the first few seasons after planting, ensuring the soil stays evenly moist but never waterlogged. While this Cornus elliptica is not heavily demanding regarding fertilizer, an annual application of compost around the drip line can help enrich the soil structure. Pruning should be minimal, limited mostly to removing crossing or dead branches, as maintaining its natural shape maximizes its ornamental appeal.

If you are gardening in marginal zones, such as the northern edge of Zone 7 or areas subject to harsh winter winds, provide winter protection. For gardeners in areas like the St. Louis region, citing this valuable Dogwood in a location sheltered from severe winter cold is highly recommended to ensure its evergreen characteristics persist.

Landscape Uses

This beautiful flowering tree, Cornus elliptica, excels when used as a specimen plant where its summer blooms and interesting winter foliage can be appreciated up close. Its moderate size, topping out around 20 feet tall, makes it suitable for placement near patios, entryways, or within smaller residential lawns. It functions effectively as a vertical accent in the garden design.

Consider planting Cornus elliptica in small groupings to create a layered effect, or utilize it as an anchor in an informal shrub border. Because of its deer tolerance, it integrates well into woodland garden settings or naturalized areas where browsing pressure is a concern. Pairing it with shade-tolerant groundcovers or later-blooming perennials ensures continuous interest around its base throughout the growing season.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Fruit Qualities

• Showy
• Edible

Noteworthy Characteristics

Cornus elliptica is an evergreen to semi-evergreen dogwood that is native to China and features thick, glossy, bright green leaves up to 3 inches long that turn purplish in winter. The showy elements of the Dogwood bloom are the four pointed, petal-like white bracts, which appear distinctly later than many related species, usually in June or July. Originally classified differently, this small flowering tree was introduced to the US in 1980 and offers a reliable, attractive form.

Tolerances

• Deer

Potential Problems

This particular Dogwood generally exhibits high resistance to common horticultural issues, notably possessing no known serious insect or disease problems. A major advantage of planting Cornus elliptica over native flowering dogwoods is its apparent immunity to the devastating anthracnose that has impacted Cornus florida populations in many regions. Gardeners should verify soil drainage, as poor drainage is the leading cause of stress for most Dogwood varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Dogwood suitable for?

The Cornus elliptica Dogwood is reliably winter hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 9.

How large does Cornus elliptica grow?

This species typically matures to a height between 15 and 20 feet tall, with a comparable spread of 12 to 15 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Cornus elliptica need?

This Dogwood performs well in sites ranging from full sun conditions to partial shade locations.

When does Dogwood bloom?

The distinctive white bracts of the Cornus elliptica bloom appear later in the season, typically from June into July.

Conclusion

The evergreen nature and summer bloom cycle make this Cornus elliptica Dogwood a highly valuable addition to landscapes requiring season-long screening and color. Its relatively low incidence of pests and diseases simplifies maintenance, offering a reliable focal point. Assess your site to ensure USDA Zone 7-9 compatibility before planting this superb Dogwood specimen.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for Cornus elliptica, focus on plants that share its preference for well-drained, moderately rich soil and can tolerate dappled sunlight beneath the tree’s canopy. Hosta varieties with medium to dark green foliage provide excellent textural contrast against the Dogwood’s glossy leaves during the summer months.

For seasonal color near the base of your Cornus elliptica, consider early-blooming spring bulbs like Daffodils (Narcissus), as they will fade just as the Dogwood begins its slower summer leaf-drop cycle, allowing the tree to dominate the mid-summer view. Avoid using water-loving plants directly at the root zone as this can lead to the soil staying too wet for the Dogwood’s preference.

Wildlife Benefits

The red, berry-like fruits produced by Cornus elliptica are technically edible, although they are usually left uneaten by humans and serve primarily as a food source for local bird populations. Planting this species can help support avian activity in your garden, especially in the early fall as fruits mature.

While the true flowers are small, the composite structure of the bracts can attract various beneficial insects during its June to July bloom time. Establishing this Dogwood provides structure and cover for small wildlife due to its dense, evergreen habit, which is a significant benefit in winter gardens.