Cornus elliptica Empress of China ='Elsbry' - 4 litre

Common name: Empress of China Dogwood

Description: This outstanding evergreen dogwood cultivar brings year-round interest to the garden with its elegant, layered branching and profusion of flowers. The glossy, dark green leaves have a leathery texture and maintain their colour throughout the winter. In late spring to early summer, the tree produces an abundance of creamy-white, star-shaped flower bracts that cover the canopy, creating a spectacular display. These are followed by small red berries in autumn that ripen to black, adding further seasonal interest. Empress of China develops a graceful, somewhat spreading habit with horizontal branching that creates striking architectural layers. Unlike many flowering dogwoods, this cultivar shows excellent resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew, making it a lower-maintenance option for gardens.

Other benefits: evergreen foliage, long flowering period, attractive berries, disease resistant

Wildlife attraction: bees and pollinators visit flowers, birds feed on berries

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 3m x 2.5m

Position: partial shade to full sun; benefits from afternoon shade in hotter regions

Soil pH: prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils; avoid highly alkaline conditions

Moisture: moderate water needs; prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil; mulch to maintain soil moisture

Winter hardiness: cold hardy to -15°C