Contents
Description
Cornus Chinensis, also known as Chinese dogwood, is a deciduous flowering plant native to China and Korea. It belongs to the family Cornaceae and is a popular ornamental plant due to its stunning appearance. The plant typically grows to a height of 4-6 meters and has a spread of 3-4 meters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
Appearance
The Chinese dogwood is a small tree or large shrub with a rounded crown and multiple stems. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a pointed tip, with a length of 6-13 cm and a width of 4-8 cm. The leaves are dark green with a paler underside, and they turn red or purple in the fall. The flowers of the Cornus Chinensis are the main attraction, and they bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are small and yellowish-green, surrounded by four large white bracts that measure 3-5 cm in length. The bracts are pointed and have an overlapping appearance, giving the flowers a unique star-like shape. The fruit of the plant is a red drupe that measures 1 cm in diameter.
Care Guide
Water: Chinese dogwoods require moist soil, and they should be watered regularly during dry spells. However, the soil should not be waterlogged, as this can cause root rot.Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. This will provide the plant with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.Soil: The Cornus Chinensis thrives in well-draining, acidic soil. If the soil is too alkaline, it can cause chlorosis, which is a yellowing of the leaves.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun, but it should be protected from the hot afternoon sun.Hardiness Zones: The Chinese dogwood is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Chinese dogwoods are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can sometimes be affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, and canker. These diseases can be controlled with fungicides or by removing infected branches.
Habitat
Cornus Chinensis is native to China and Korea and can be found in forests, thickets, and along streams. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Chinese dogwood?
A: The plant should be watered regularly during dry spells, but the soil should not be waterlogged.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Cornus Chinensis?
A: The Chinese dogwood is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.Q: Are Chinese dogwoods resistant to pests and diseases?
A: Chinese dogwoods are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can sometimes be affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, and canker.Q: What kind of soil does the Cornus Chinensis prefer?
A: The plant thrives in well-draining, acidic soil.
Related Plants
- Cornus florida
- Cornus kousa
- Cornus mas
References
- “Cornus chinensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed June 23, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c710.
- “Cornus chinensis.” Plant Finder. Accessed June 23, 2021. https://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene2e3b.html.
- “Cornus chinensis.” RHS. Accessed June 23, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/12568/Cornus-chinensis/Details.
