Bring a touch of the Himalayas to your garden with the Himalayan Dogwood (Cornus capitata), also known as the Evergreen Dogwood or Strawberry Tree. This enchanting tree features creamy white to blush-pink flowers that bloom in late spring, followed by clusters of bright red, strawberry-like fruits that attract birds and pollinators.
Its glossy evergreen foliage, combined with its unique fruit and seasonal color, makes it a perfect ornamental specimen for gardens, courtyards, and woodland landscapes. Native to the Himalayas, this tree is both beautiful and resilient, tolerating a range of soil types and light conditions.
Features
- 🌸 Showy Blooms: White to pink bracts in late spring and summer.
- 🍓 Attractive Fruit: Red, strawberry-like edible drupes in fall.
- 🌿 Evergreen Foliage: Glossy green leaves with year-round appeal.
- 🐦 Wildlife Friendly: Fruits attract birds and pollinators.
- 🌎 Versatile Use: Ornamental, landscape, or specimen tree.
Specifications
- Common Name: Himalayan Dogwood / Strawberry Tree
- Scientific Name: Cornus capitata
- Plant Type: Evergreen flowering and fruiting tree
- USDA Zones: 8 – 10
- Mature Height: 20 – 40 ft (6 – 12 m)
- Spread: 15 – 25 ft (4.5 – 7.5 m)
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Well-drained, rich loam
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Fruit Season: Late summer to fall
- Foliage: Glossy green, evergreen
- GMO Status: 100% Non-GMO Seeds
Planting Guide
- Sowing Time: Spring or early autumn.
- Seed Preparation: Stratify for 4–6 weeks in moist sand at 40°F (4°C) before sowing.
- Sowing Depth: ¼ inch (0.6 cm).
- Germination Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C).
- Germination Time: 4–8 weeks (sometimes longer).
- Transplanting: Move to larger pots or outdoors when seedlings are 4–6 inches tall.
- Spacing: 10–15 ft apart for landscape planting.
Care Tips
- Keep soil evenly moist but well-drained.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and control weeds.
- Prune lightly after flowering to shape.
- Protect young plants from frost.
- Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
