Cornus angustata 'Elsbry' Empress of China ™
An evergreen Chinese dogwood with loads of creamy white blooms.
| Size | 15-18' tall by 13-15' wide |
| USDA hardiness Zones | 6 – 9 |
| Sun / Shade | Part shade (no afternoon sun) |
| Soil | Average garden soil, well drained. |
| Moisture | moist, but well drained. |
| Disease and Pests | None known |
| Landscape use | specimens, mixed borders |
| Market appeal / Uniqueness | An evergreen Chinese Dogwood with a graceful, yet vigorous habit and loads of flowers. Each branch holds up to 150 white blooms that eventually transform into translucent strawberry-like fruit. Empress of China will light up your partly-shaded garden year-round color and excitement! |
| Propagation Methods | vegetative cuttings |
| Bloom Time | May |
Angela’s Garden Notes:
Empress of China was selected by our friend, noted plantsman John Elsley. This new selection has an exceptional for bloom count, amazingly beautiful fruit and unheard of garden vigor. Glossy, leathery bright green leaves average 3 inches long and an inch wide persist through the winter months, then slough off after the new growth emerges in spring.
The 1 1/2 inch blooms are fantastic as well. Tey open lime green and mature to a creamy white. the blooms are crowded so densely along the branches that an Empress of China in full bloom will stop passers-by. Once the blooms drop, they're followed by pretty fruit that attracts songbirds into the garden for a late summer and fall feast.
Empress of China can take the heat and humidity of the deep South. This flowering beauty thrives in Texas, yet lives just as happily in Maryland. It prefers partial shade, but if you give it too much the flowering will suffer a bit. do not plant this tree where it will get the hottest afternoon sun.