Bentham's cornel - Cornus capitata (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Bentham's cornel

Also known as: Himalayan flowering dogwood, Strawberry dogwood

Bentham's cornel (Cornus capitata) is an evergreen dogwood tree from the Himalayan region. It has also been naturalized in New Zealand and eastern Australia. The flowers bloom from early to mid-summer, and fleshy red fruit appears by fall. The fruit is edible, but can taste bitter.

Scientific classification

Species

Bentham's cornel (Cornus capitata)

Dogwoods, hydrangeas, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

12 m

Plant Height

Red, Pink

Fruit Color

Yellow, Cream

Flower Color

Green, Gray, Silver, Red, Pink, White, Purple

Stem Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Bentham's cornel

Distribution of Bentham's cornel

Distribution Map

Bentham's cornel is native to the Eastern Himalayas and associated highlands of Southeast Asia. It has been introduced and cultivated in temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere. Bentham's cornel is observed to thrive in areas with cool, moist conditions and is fully naturalized in some non-native locations.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Forests, shrubberies, moist hillsides

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Bentham's cornel

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from the Himalayas, bentham's cornel prefers moderate moisture and can handle brief dry spells. It thrives in well-drained soil with watering every 1-2 weeks, avoiding waterlogging. Best suited for outdoor growth, bentham's cornel adapts well to temperate climates with favorable rainfall patterns.

Fertilize: For bentham's cornel, use a balanced fertilizer biannually in early spring and late fall. Apply up to 0.5 lbs per 100 sq ft during growth, adjusting for dormancy. Soil testing can optimize nutrition, ensuring proper integration while promoting health and environmental safety.

Pruning: Bentham's cornel is a hardy, evergreen tree with elaborate flowers and berries. Prune in early to late winter when dormant, focusing on dead or diseased branches, overcrowded growth, and aesthetic shaping. Proper timing enhances growth, ornamental value, and ensures vibrant blooms and robust structure.

Propagation: Bentham's cornel is a shrubby perennial that produces attractive flowers and strawberry-like fruits. Propagate by sowing fresh seeds on well-draining soil. Maintain consistent moisture, provide warmth for germination, and transplant well-established seedlings into individual pots for optimal growth before their final placement.

Repotting: For bentham's cornel, repot every 2-3 years in spring using a spacious pot with good drainage. After repotting, position bentham's cornel in partial shade and keep the soil moist. Adequate watering is essential, particularly during the recovery phase following repotting.

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