Cornus capitata (Bentham's Cornel) seeds

A fabulous, showy shrub or small tree which, when mature, produces masses of waxy, buttercup-shaped, creamy-white flowers in summer. These are followed in autumn by lush, strawberry-red fruits, and as an added bonus, the foliage then turns a lovely shade of ruby-red. An exceptional ornamental shrub with a long season of interest. 

Hardy Shrub/Tree - Will need protection in cold regions when young.
Flowers: Summer
Height: 3-4.5m
Position: Sun or semi-shade

Packet of 10 seeds

GROWING GUIDE

These seeds have a double dormancy which needs to be broken before they will germinate, ie., they need to go through a process which simulates the changing seasons.

Sowing Instructions: Sow at any time of the year. Sow very thinly in trays or pots of moist, good quality seed compost (eg. John Innes) at a depth of 3mm and seal inside a polythene bag. Maintain an optimum temperature of 20C for 3 months, then place the container(s) in the fridge for a further 3 months. Then, return to 20C and germination should take place in 1-3 months. Throughout this process check regularly and ensure the compost does not dry out. Note: Germination can be very erratic, so sow thinly and prick out the seedlings as they become large enough to handle disturbing the rest of the compost as little as possible.

Alternatively, sow as above, seal in a polythene bag and place in a cold frame or sheltered part of the garden and let nature take its course as the seasons change.

Growing Instructions: Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm pots. Over-winter at a temperature of about 5C. Harden off and plant out when all risk of frost has passed in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. In northern regions, protect from frost for the first few winters.