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Evergreen and loaded with flowers

Cornus angustata Empress of China®

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!

Empress of China was selected by our friend and noted plantsman, John Elsley. Empress of China has an exceptional number of flowers, amazingly beautiful fruit and unheard of garden vigor. Glossy, leathery, bright green leaves average 3 inches long, and persist through the winter months, then slough off after the new growth emerges in spring.

The flowers open lime green and mature to a creamy white, and are so dense that an Empress of China in full bloom will stop passers-by. Once the blooms drop, they’re followed by strawberry-like red fruit that attracts songbirds for a late summer and fall feast. Empress of China can take the heat and humidity of the deep south,  thriving in Texas, and living just as happily in Maryland. It prefers partial shade, especially in the deep south.

Please note: We don't sell plants. Asking your local retailer or googling the plant name is the easiest way to find someone selling our plants.

Please note: Download hi-res photos from the photo gallery at the bottom of the page.


Who Am I?

  • Common Name

    Empress of China dogwood
  • Botanical Name

    Cornus angustata 'Elsbry' PP14537
  • Type

    Tree
  • Evergreen?

    YES
  • Bloom Time

    May
  • Bloom Color

    White

Cultural Details

  • Bloom Time

    May
  • Size

    15-18' tall by 13-15' wide
  • Hardiness Zone

    6 – 9
  • Light

    Part sun- prefers afternoon shade
  • Soil

    Average garden soil, well drained.
  • Moisture

    Moist, but well drained
  • Disease & Pests

    None known
  • Landscape Use

    Specimen, mixed borders
  • Propagation

    Tissue Culture

Available Photos

Hover over images to download hi-res files.