Cornus angustata Empress of China - Flowering Dogwood

Cornus angustata 'Empress of China' is a superb evergreen dogwood, very floriferous and particularly bright in the partially shaded areas of the garden. Forming over time a large bush of at least 4m (13ft 1in), almost as wide as it is tall, it truly disappears in late spring under a snow of white-cream flowers. They are followed by the formation of decorative red fruits, resembling raspberries. At once opulent, generous, and graceful, this bush is perfectly hardy in our climates and tolerates heat quite well, in moist but well-drained soil.

The 'Empress of China' Dogwood comes from a bush of Chinese origin, with evergreen foliage in most of our climates. This beautiful improvement obtained by John Esley in the USA offers particularly abundant flowering and exceptional vigour. 'Empress of China' will reach over 4m (13ft 1in) in height at maturity, with a nearly equivalent spread. Its growth is quite slow. Flowering takes place in May-June. Each branch produces up to 150 flowers surrounded by 4 lime green bracts that turn white-cream. Each of these "false flowers" measures about 3-4cm (1.2-1.6in) in diameter. They are so numerous that they gracefully bend the branches that bear them, forming a veritable mass of snow. This exuberant flowering is followed in late summer and autumn by the formation of very decorative, edible fruits that resemble raspberries but do not have their fragrance. The foliage, which somewhat resembles that of a ficus, is composed of tough, shiny, light green leaves that sometimes turn purple. They are 8cm (3.1in) long and 2.5cm (1in) wide. The oldest leaves fall at the same time as the new shoots emerge in spring.

This 'Empress of China' dogwood is very hardy (- up to 20°C (68 °F)), and tolerates climates that are both hot and humid in summer better than Cornus kousa. In the United States, it thrives as well in Texas as it does in Maryland. Therefore, it can be deduced that it will thrive in most of our climates, provided it is planted in soil that is not too dry in summer. It is very decorative throughout the year, especially in partially shaded areas, along a large avenue where it truly catches the eye. It is interesting as a standalone plant for small gardens, in flowerbeds as well as in free hedges. It can be associated with a wide range of staggered flowering shrubs, such as forsythias, mock oranges, smoke bushes, lilacs, viburnums, or buddleias. In acidic soil, it will be a perfect companion for Pieris, Rhododendrons, Camellias, and Kalmia.