Evergreen Dogwood
cornus capitata
Also known as: ["Himalayan Dogwood","Bentham's Cornel"]
Overview
An evergreen tree native to the Himalayas, known for its attractive flowers and red berries.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Cornales |
| Family: | Cornaceae |
| Genus: | Cornus |
| Botanical Name: | Cornus capitata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: partially shaded garden bed or container near a wall for support
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun); protect from harsh afternoon sun, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight; avoid sudden exposure to intense light; place in dappled shade during peak summer hours.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is best; provide shade in afternoon; rotate plant for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers mild temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); tolerates cooler nights but avoids frost.
Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring before new growth; use balanced formula; reduce feeding in fall and winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or layering; softwood cuttings in spring or early summer yield best results.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when new growth is vigorous.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or cactus mix with added rooting hormone.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to encourage bushier growth; remove crossing or crowded stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or diseased wood; focus on structural improvement.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, sterilized saw (for larger branches), gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune at correct time; remove dead/diseased wood; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for nutrient replenishment and root health.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the morning to reduce evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix perlite or sand for drainage; ensure organic matter is well-integrated.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt, turn yellow, or drop; growth slows or halts; buds may fail to open.
Solution: Move to a sheltered location; provide frost protection; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or browning; reduced flowering; increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but infrequently.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose appropriate fertilizer; apply at correct dilution; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCornus capitata is not toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts on felines from ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicCornus capitata is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects or physiological impacts on canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCornus capitata is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this species.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Cornus capitata lose its leaves in winter?
A: No, it is an evergreen tree and retains its leaves year-round.
Q: What are the typical growing conditions for Cornus capitata?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun with well-drained, moist soil.
Q: Are the berries of Cornus capitata edible?
A: The berries are not commonly consumed by humans, though they are attractive to wildlife.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cornaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
