Cornus capitata - Flowering Dogwood

Cornus capitata, also known as Himalayan Dogwood due to its original regions, is also called Strawberry Cornelian because of the appearance of its quite decorative fruits that rather resemble large raspberries. This bush of beautiful stature, with a nicely rounded habit, is one of the few evergreen dogwoods, making it a very ornamental shrub throughout the year. Its beautiful late spring flowering, in the form of false flowers composed of beautiful white-cream bracts, adds to its very natural charm. If it is not fully hardy, it is easy to acclimatize in any well-drained soil, remaining moist. This dogwood has its place in a garden that makes room for nature, but also in slightly wooded areas as it tolerates partial shade.

Cornus capitata, also called Dendrobenthamia capitata, belongs to the Cornaceae family. It originates from the eastern Himalayas, specifically from an area ranging from Nepal to China. It is found, between 800 and 3200m (2624ft and 10498ft) in altitude, growing at the edge of coniferous and deciduous forests, under a mild and humid climate. This large shrub, capable of forming a small tree under good conditions, easily reaches 4.50m (14ft 10in) in all directions in our gardens. Its growth is quite slow and its regular habit is distinctly rounded. In May-June, its flowering is quite spectacular. Its true small flowers, grouped in green balls, are surrounded by 4 large white-cream to pale yellow bracts with a hint of green, beautifully arranged in a semi-open cup.  This flowering is followed by the formation of fruits that resemble those of Cornus kousa. Fleshy and globose, they measure about 3cm (1.2in) in diameter. While they are edible when ripe, their flavour varies depending on the bush that bears them. The foliage, evergreen when the temperature does not drop below -5°C (23 °F), is composed of entire leaves, with prominent veins, ovate-lanceolate in shape, with a slightly undulate edge. They measure 10 to 12cm (3.9 to 4.7in) in length and 5cm (2in) in width. The upper surface of the lamina is a bright green to dark green colour, while the underside is grey-green.

Regardless of the size and style of the garden, there will always be a dogwood to provide a beautiful decoration. The Himalayan dogwood is reserved for our mild and rather humid regions. It will compose beautiful beds as a backdrop for lower shrubs and will blend perfectly in a mixed hedge with witch hazels or Japanese maples in acidic soil, or on the edge of woodland areas in the company of Oakleaf Hydrangea or winged Euonymus in more neutral soil. All these shrubs are perfect for creating a transition with the countryside. Its association with Fuchsia magellanica, Helianthus, Heliopsis or daylilies will create a very colourful scene.