.jpg)
Cornus elliptica (syn. C. angustata) EMPRESS OF CHINA Chinese evergreen dogwood
Cornus
Cornus is a genus that botanists rightly regard as true aristocracy among woody plants. It comprises approximately 50–60 species of trees and shrubs distributed mainly across the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with centres of diversity in East Asia and North America. Fossil records confirm its presence as early as the Tertiary period, and the first scientific description of the genus was published by Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778) in 1753 in his Species Plantarum. For centuries, dogwoods have accompanied human culture not only as ornamental plants, but also as sources of exceptionally hard timber, medicinal substances and symbolic meaning in folk traditions, where they often represent strength, order and longevity.
Chinese dogwood, Cornus elliptica, is still a relatively rarely cultivated evergreen species native to Southeast Asia. Its natural range extends from the southeast coast of China through the mountainous regions of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces to northern Myanmar, the Himalayas and Nepal, where it grows at elevations of approximately 300–2,200 m. The species was formally described by the British botanist William Botting Hemsley in 1909, yet for much of the 20th century it was frequently confused with the related species Cornus capitata; only modern genetic studies have confirmed its distinct status and, in fact, shown that the two species are more distantly related than previously assumed. The first recorded collecting expedition that yielded material later referred to as Cornus angustata took place during the 1980 Sino‑American Botanical Expedition, with Dr Ted Dudley as the collector; from this material the species gradually became established in the United States. Interestingly, the species had already been cultivated in Europe earlier, appearing at Hillier Gardens from the 1970s, when material of uncertain origin was introduced into the collections, reportedly from “a garden in Ireland”.
Empress of China Chinese dogwood stands out above all for its abundant and reliable flowering on a fully leaved, evergreen plant. It produces striking, snow‑white bracts approximately 6–8 cm across, appearing in great numbers and creating an exceptionally clean, almost porcelain‑like effect. The leaves are narrow, glossy and dark green, with a subtly leathery texture and an elegantly pendulous habit; in winter they often take on a wine‑red tint. The overall habit is compact, dense and very even, making this cultivar one of the most attractive evergreen dogwoods for garden use in temperate climates. Empress of China originated as a deliberate selection of Cornus elliptica and was chosen by John Elsley for its exceptionally rich flowering, overall vigour and slightly improved frost tolerance. John Elsley is an American gardener, photographer and selector of ornamental woody plants who devoted many years to the practical evaluation of plants under garden conditions, collaborated with arboreta and nurseries across the United States, and focused primarily on selecting woody plants with high vitality, reliable growth and strong aesthetic value for garden use. The cultivar is protected by plant patent PP14537 (2004) and ranks among the most highly regarded selections of this species in Western collections.
Compared with the botanical species, it is characterised by more regular growth, a greater willingness to flower and better winter stability of its evergreen foliage, which immediately favours it when selecting shrubs for reliably evergreen garden compositions. Empress of China therefore performs best as a specimen plant or a strong structural element in calmly composed plantings, where its compact, conical form and late, showy flowering can be fully appreciated. Thanks to its year‑round presence it appears naturally representative and works equally well in woodland‑edge inspired gardens and in more contemporary designs. In combinations it pairs well with similarly unusual woody plants or species of contrasting texture, such as Choisya, Pieris, Tetrapanax, Hebe, Mahonia eurybracteata or Viburnum davidii, complemented by a calm, evergreen understorey of ferns, Liriope, Ophiopogon or Carex.
Chinese dogwood grows slowly and forms either a small tree or a large, dense shrub with a conical habit. Final height in our conditions has not yet been long‑term verified but is estimated at around 4–5 m. Thanks to its naturally dense habit it does not require pruning for thickening; any shaping can be carried out shortly after flowering. It requires light, fertile, acidic to slightly acidic soil with even moisture, but must not be waterlogged. It performs best in full sun, where it flowers more abundantly and develops a healthy, compact habit; partial shade has not proved successful in practice. Over‑fertilisation is undesirable – use only fertilisers that support flowering and leaf quality rather than rapid growth. Hardiness is still under testing, but so the breeder confirms at least −20 °C without damage; further trials continue. Like any evergreen, it requires occasional watering during dry winters in frost‑free periods.
Last update 08-02-2026
