Evergreen Dogwood: A Fragrant and Fruitful Tree
Introduction
Evergreen dogwood trees (Cornus capitata) are beautiful, tall trees that are prized for their fragrant flowers and distinctive fruits. They are native to Asia but can be grown in warm climates around the world.
Characteristics
Evergreen dogwoods are hardy down to USDA zone 8. They can grow as high as 50 feet, but typically reach heights of 20 to 40 feet. Their leaves are dark green and evergreen, although they may turn red to purple and partially drop in autumn.
In the summer, evergreen dogwoods produce clusters of small, fragrant flowers. The flowers are surrounded by four to six bracts, which are often mistaken for petals. The bracts come in shades of white, yellow, and pink.
After the flowers bloom, the tree produces clusters of small, round fruits. These fruits are pink to red, about an inch in diameter, and have a bumpy texture. They are edible and sweet, but can cause a litter problem if the tree is planted near a walkway.
Growing Conditions
Evergreen dogwoods are relatively easy to grow. They prefer moist, clay or loam soil, but can tolerate light alkalinity. They need a lot of water and thrive in both sun and shade.
Planting
The best time to plant an evergreen dogwood tree is in the spring or fall. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the tree deeply and regularly, especially during the first growing season.
Care
Evergreen dogwood trees are relatively low-maintenance. They need regular watering, especially during dry spells. They also benefit from occasional fertilization.
Pollination
Evergreen dogwood trees are monoecious, which means they have both male and female flowers on the same tree. This means that they can self-pollinate. However, if you want to increase fruit production, it is a good idea to plant two or more trees together.
Harvesting
The fruits of evergreen dogwood trees ripen in the fall. They should be harvested when they are fully ripe, which is indicated by a deep red color. The fruits can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried.
Benefits
Evergreen dogwood trees offer a number of benefits, including:
- They are beautiful trees that add interest to any landscape.
- Their fragrant flowers attract pollinators.
- Their fruits are a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.
- They are relatively easy to grow and care for.
Conclusion
Evergreen dogwood trees are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden. They are easy to grow and care for, and they offer a number of benefits, including fragrant flowers, distinctive fruits, and wildlife habitat.
