Hong Kong Dogwood Cornus hongkongensis

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

Cornus hongkongensis, commonly known as the Hong Kong Dogwood, is a visually striking plant that displays a range of interesting features. Its appearance is highlighted by a canopy of broad leaves that exhibit a luscious green hue during the growing season, providing a dense foliage cover. These leaves typically show a simple, ovate to elliptical shape with smooth margins, and they exude a sense of vibrancy and health. One of the most notable characteristics of the Hong Kong Dogwood is its flowers. The plant produces blooms that have a creamy white color. These flowers are quite small individually but are grouped tightly in showy clusters giving an ornamental quality to the plant when they are in bloom. The contrast between the dark green leaves and the bright flowers creates an eye-catching display. Following the flowering season, the plant bears fruit which adds another layer to its aesthetic appeal. The fruit usually appears as a berry-like drupe that can have a range of colors from a striking blue to black when fully ripe. Clustered together, these fruits can be quite attractive to birds and other wildlife, offering a source of food. The Hong Kong Dogwood's bark and branches also contribute to its overall look. The bark has a rough texture which, with age, can show an intriguing pattern that adds to the plant's natural charm. In addition to its physical beauty, the Hong Kong Dogwood is noted for its adaptability to various soil types and conditions, making it a versatile choice for ornamental purposes in a variety of landscapes. It is this combination of ornamental flowers, attractive berries, and lush green foliage that makes the Hong Kong Dogwood a cherished plant for many gardeners and landscape enthusiasts.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Cornaceae.
- Synonyms
  Hong Kong Dogwood, Chinese Strawberry Tree.
- Common names
  Benthamia hongkongensis, Dendrobenthamia hongkongensis.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Cornus hongkongensis, commonly known as the Hong Kong Dogwood, is not widely known for being toxic to humans. There is limited information on the toxicity of this specific species. However, like many plants, eating large amounts of it could potentially cause discomfort or an allergic reaction. In general, most species of the genus Cornus are not considered poisonous, and some parts are even edible or used medicinally. If you suspect poisoning from any plant material, it's important to contact a medical professional for advice.
- To pets
  Regarding the Hong Kong Dogwood, there is no specific information that suggests this particular species is toxic to pets. As with humans, caution should be exercised, because different animals can have varied sensitivities to plants. If a pet ingests a significant quantity of this plant and shows signs of illness, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. Symptoms of plant poisoning in pets can vary but may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or drooling. It is always best to keep an eye on pets and prevent them from consuming plants that are not confirmed to be safe.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  20 feet (6 meters)
- Spread
  15 feet (4.5 meters)
- Plant type
  Tree
- Hardiness zones
  9
- Native area
  China

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: The Hong Kong Dogwood is known for its beautiful flowers and foliage which add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Shade Provision: With its dense canopy, it can provide a shaded area which can be beneficial for underplantings or to create a cooler microclimate.
- Wildlife Habitat: The tree can offer habitat for various species of birds and insects, which use it for shelter and food.
- Seasonal Interest: This dogwood provides visual interest throughout the seasons with its flowers in spring, fruits in summer, and colorful leaves in autumn.
- Erosion Control: The root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil degradation.
Medical Properties
- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Cornus hongkongensis, commonly known as Hong Kong Dogwood, can be used as a natural dye, where its bark and leaves may produce colors for fabric dyeing processes.
- The wood of Hong Kong Dogwood is hard and dense, which could make it suitable for crafting small wooden tools or sculptures.
- Foliage from the Hong Kong Dogwood could be used in floral arrangements or bouquets, as it provides lush greenery complementing floral displays.
- The tree could serve as a source of nectar and pollen for certain bee species, thus having a role in local beekeeping practices.
- Hong Kong Dogwood's fruit, though not widely known for its edibility, could potentially be experimented with in creating unconventional jams or jellies.
- Wood chips from the tree could be used in landscaping as a natural mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Eco-friendly paper could be produced from the fibrous pulp of Hong Kong Dogwood, reducing reliance on traditional timber sources.
- The branches of Hong Kong Dogwood may be suitable for decorative woodturning projects, creating unique patterns and textures in the finished pieces.
- Leaves of the plant could be incorporated into compost heaps to enrich the soil as they break down, owing to their nutrient content.
- In educational settings, the plant could be used to help students learn about biodiversity and conservation of native species in their region.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Hong Kong Dogwood is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Hong Kong Dogwood is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Beauty in Contrast: The flowers of Cornus hongkongensis, commonly known as Hong Kong Dogwood, often exhibit a strong contrast between their bold, white bracts and their lush, green leaves, symbolizing the beauty that can be found in contrasts and opposites in life.
- Resilience: As a plant that can thrive in various conditions, the Hong Kong Dogwood represents resilience and the ability to withstand different challenges in life.
- Renewal: The flowering of the Hong Kong Dogwood, particularly in spring, is symbolic of new beginnings and the renewal of life, reflecting hope and rejuvenation.
- Purity: The bright and unmistakable white flowers of the Hong Kong Dogwood are often associated with purity and innocence, reminding us of the unblemished and virtuous aspects of the human spirit.
- Endurance: Given its sturdy nature and longevity, the Hong Kong Dogwood can symbolize endurance and the ability to persist through time and adversities.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Hong Kong Dogwood should be watered thoroughly once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the growing season in spring and summer, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Depending on weather conditions, this may require about 1 to 2 gallons of water per week for each plant. In the winter, reduce watering to every other week, ensuring that the plant receives around 1 gallon to prevent the soil from becoming bone dry.
Light
The Hong Kong Dogwood thrives in partial to full sunlight. It prefers a spot that receives some shade during the hottest part of the day, especially in warmer climates. The ideal location would provide morning sunlight with dappled afternoon shade or light filtered through a canopy of overhead trees.
Temperature
The Hong Kong Dogwood can tolerate a temperature range from 30 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature range for robust growth and good health is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to protect the plant from extreme heat and frosts, as temperatures beyond the mentioned range can stress the plant.
Pruning
Pruning the Hong Kong Dogwood promotes a healthy and aesthetically pleasing shape and encourages new growth. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or diseased branches, thin out dense areas to allow light and air circulation, and shape the plant as desired. Pruning should be done annually or biennially depending on the plant's performance and desired look.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Hong Kong Dogwood prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0. A mixture of loam, sand, and a bit of organic matter, such as compost, would create the ideal soil mix for healthy growth.
Repotting
Hong Kong Dogwoods generally do not require frequent repotting. Repotting should be done every 2-3 years or when it's clear that the plant has outgrown its current pot, such as when roots are seen circling the pot or protruding from the drainage holes.
Humidity & Misting
Hong Kong Dogwoods thrive best in moderate to high humidity levels. Aim to maintain the humidity around 50-60% for optimal growth, which is within the range of typical household humidity levels.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright indirect light, high humidity, and water when topsoil is dry.
- Outdoor
  Plant in dappled shade, well-draining soil, and mulch to retain moisture.
- Hardiness zone
  8-10 USDA
Life cycle
The Hong Kong Dogwood (Cornus hongkongensis) starts its life cycle as a seed, which germinates to produce a small seedling when conditions are favorable, typically in the spring. As the seedling establishes itself, it grows into a young plant, developing a root system and a stem, and then producing leaves. Over several years, the young plant matures into an adult, during which it will experience periods of vegetative growth and seasonal dormancy, adapting to the climate cycles. The adult tree will eventually flower, typically in early summer, with white flowers that are later succeeded by small berry-like fruits. These fruits mature, fall to the ground or are dispersed by animals, and the seeds within these fruits have the potential to grow into new plants if they land in a suitable environment. Throughout its life, the Hong Kong Dogwood may face challenges such as competition, pests, and diseases, which it must overcome to complete its life cycle and contribute to the next generation.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- Propogation: The Cornus hongkongensis, commonly known as Hong Kong Dogwood, is best propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is popular due to its moderate ease and decent success rate. In the propagation process, semi-hardwood cuttings are taken from the current year's growth, typically in the summer months when the wood is firm and has not yet become hard or woody. The cuttings, usually about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 centimeters), should include a few leaves and be cut just below a node. To encourage rooting, the bottom cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining potting mix. High humidity and consistent but not waterlogged soil are essential for the successful rooting of these cuttings, which can be achieved by placing a plastic bag or a transparent cover over the cutting to retain moisture. It usually takes several weeks to a few months for the cuttings to root sufficiently to be transferred to a more permanent growing location.