Cornus hongkongensis hybrids

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Credits

Martin Deasy, Dan Crowley, Jack Aldridge & Răzvan Chişu (2026)

Recommended citation
Deasy, M., Crowley, D., Aldridge, J. & Chişu, R. (2026), 'Cornus hongkongensis hybrids' from the website Trees and Shrubs Online (treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/cornus/cornus-hongkongensis-hybrids/). Accessed 2026-07-17.

Family

Cornaceae

Genus

Cornus

Infraspecifics

Other taxa in genus

Glossary

variety: (var.) Taxonomic rank (varietas) grouping variants of a species with relatively minor differentiation in a few characters but occurring as recognisable populations. Often loosely used for rare minor variants more usefully ranked as forms.
interfertile: Capable of interbreeding with another species or species to give hybrids.

References

Credits

Martin Deasy, Dan Crowley, Jack Aldridge & Răzvan Chişu (2026)

Immature involucres of Cornus 'Blooming Pink Tetra', a Japanese hybrid selection. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

In recent years, new introductions of evergreen species such as Cornus hongkongensis and C. elliptica have opened up exciting prospects for breeders, offering the possibility of bringing together the best qualities of the parent species – in particular, the cold-hardiness of C. kousa and the distinguished foliage of C. hongkongensis. The variability of phenotypes within subgenus Syncarpea, and the relative ease with which crosses can be made offer rich potential to adventurous and resourceful breeders, as demonstrated by Tom Ranney’s celebrated dogwood breeding programme at North Carolina State University, which raised the pink-bracted evergreen ‘NCCH1’ (Little Ruby) from the pink kousa selection ‘Satomi’ and C. hongkongensis Summer Passion Group. In Japan, Toshihiro Hagiwara has developed the Blooming Tetra Series from plants of the same broad parentage (C. hongkongensis × C. kousa). Also bred by Hagiwara are the plants in the Summer Series currently undergoing evaluation in northern climates, probably likewise attributable to C. kousa × C. hongkonensis. The three selections in Hagiwara’s Paige series (‘Snow Around Paige’, ‘Yellow Paige’ and ‘Winter Red Paige’) appear not yet to have reached Europe; six further ‘Paige’ selections await registration by the Japanese Plant Variety Protection Office, applications lodged in 2022 (Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Fisheries 2026). Such hybrids do not necessarily inherit the evergreen (or even wintergreen) character of C. hongkonensis, at least in our area of study. Indeed, from the perspective of North American breeders, one of the most promising characteristics offered by C. hongkonensis may be its tolerance of humid heat.

While great strides continue to be made by professional breeding programmes, a number of valuable new hybrids have arisen as spontaneous seedlings, a possibility wherever interfertile species grow together in gardens. Named selections from such serendipitous crosses include ‘Parc de Haute Bretagne’ (C. hongkongensis × C. ‘Norman Hadden’), ‘Iturraran’ and ‘Pagoeta’ (C. capitata × C. hongkongensis) (Aldridge 2024).

'Blooming Merry Tetra'

Unlike the other two Blooming Tetras, which have broad, overlapping bracts, ‘Blooming Merry Tetra’ (as registered) has elliptic to elliptic-ovate non-overlapping white bracts that form a cross shape, with elliptic leaves and rufous pubescence in the vein axils (Hagiwara 2013). Material offered in Europe under this name with overlapping ovate to broadly ovate pigmented bracts is referrable to ‘Blooming Pink Tetra’ – presumably due to an early instance of mislabelling that has propagated through the trade. It is possible that the true cultivar is not available outside Japan.

'Blooming Pink Tetra'

Broadly ovate, overlapping rose-pink bracts, leaves broadly ovate, rufous pubescence in the leaf axils abaxially (Hagiwara 2013).

Cornus 'Blooming Pink Tetra' (offered as 'Blooming Merry Tetra') by Junker Nursery, Somerset, UK. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

The influence of Cornus hongkongensis is very evident in the foliage of 'Blooming Pink Tetra' (central London, 1 May 2026). Image John Grimshaw.

Cornus 'Blooming Pink Tetra' (offered as 'Blooming Merry Tetra') by Junker Nursery, Somerset, UK. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Cornus 'Blooming Pink Tetra' (offered under that name) by Junker Nursery, Somerset, UK. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

'Blooming White Tetra'

One of a series of Cornus hongkongensis × C. kousa hybrids raised by Japanese nurseryman Toshihiro Hagawira. In this cultivar the bracts are initially whitish, later taking on some pink. The foliage colours superbly in autumn in a sequence from burgundy to orange, shed in winter (Junker Nursery 2023; Pan Global Plants 2026). Rufous pubescence in the leaf axils abaxially; similar in overall character to the more intensely coloured ‘Blooming Pink Tetra’ (Hagiwara 2013).

Cornus 'Blooming White Tetra' at Junker Nursery, Somerset, UK. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Cornus 'Blooming White Tetra' in autumn. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

'Iturraran'

Grown from seed taken from a specimen of Cornus hongkongensis subsp. hongkongensis at the Jardín Botánico de Iturraran in the Basque country, northern Spain, this is believed to be a spontaneous hybrid with Cornus capitata. The original plant (from seed sown in 2010) has formed a very fast-growing, fairly erect, tightly multistemmed tree with strongly ascending boughs; the elliptic-lanceolate leaves are reminiscent of C. capitata in shape and bearing, but recall C. hongkongensis in their darker green colour and glossier upper surfaces, which exhibit red interveinal pigmentation on emergence. The yellow-tinted involucres are cup-shaped, with four broadly obovate bracts, held upright above the foliage on long peduncles (P. Garin, pers. comm. 2026).

Ascending habit of Cornus hongkongensis × C. capitata 'Iturraran' (Jardín Botánico de Iturraran, Spain; 7 March 2015) Image Paco Garin.

Expanding involucre and reddish emerging foliage of Cornus hongkongensis × C. capitata 'Iturraran' (Jardín Botánico de Iturraran, Spain; 26 June 2013). Image Paco Garin.

Leathery leaves of Cornus hongkongensis × C. capitata 'Iturraran' (Jardín Botánico de Iturraran, Spain; 22 June 2013) Image Paco Garin.

Cornus hongkongensis × C. capitata 'Iturraran' (Jardín Botánico de Iturraran, Spain; 16 June 2013). Image Paco Garin.

Flowers produced high in the canopy of Cornus hongkongensis × C. capitata 'Iturraran' (Jardín Botánico de Iturraran, Spain; 2 June 2017) Image Paco Garin.

Densely lenticillate bark of Cornus hongkongensis × C. capitata 'Iturraran' (Jardín Botánico de Iturraran, Spain; 2 June 2). Image Paco Garin.

Inflorescences of Cornus hongkongensis × C. capitata 'Iturraran' borne on long peduncles (Jardín Botánico de Iturraran, Spain; 2 June 2017). Image Paco Garin.

The leaf shape of of Cornus hongkongensis × C. capitata 'Iturraran' recalls the influence of the C. capitata parent (Jardín Botánico de Iturraran, Spain; 2 June 2017). Image Paco Garin.

... while the glossy sheen evokes C. hongkongensis (Jardín Botánico de Iturraran, Spain; 2 June 2017). Image Paco Garin.

Elegant bracts of Cornus hongkongensis × C. capitata 'Iturraran' (Jardín Botánico de Iturraran, Spain; 27 May 2017). Image Paco Garin.

Broadly ovate inflorescence bracts of Cornus 'Iturraran'. Image Paco Garin.

Flowering shoots of Cornus 'Pagoeta' (left) and 'Iturraran' (right). Image Paco Garin.

Flowering shoots of Cornus 'Iturraran' (7 June 2022) Image Paco Garin.

Cornus 'Iturraran' flowering heavily at the Jardín Botánico de Iturraran (29 June 2025). Image Paco Garin.

Cornus 'Iturraran' at the Jardín Botánico de Iturraran (29 June 2025). Image Paco Garin.

Cornus 'Iturraran' in flower at the Jardín Botánico de Iturraran (29 June 2025). Image Paco Garin.

'NCCH1'

Cornus kousa 'Satomi' × C. hongkongensis 'Summer Passion'

Synonyms / alternative names
Cornus Little Ruby^TM

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6b

An interspecific F₂ hybrid between Cornus kousa ‘Satomi’ and C. hongkongensis Summer Passion Group, bred by Tom Ranney at North Carolina State University, and patented in 2013. ‘NCCH1’ is a compact, densely branching semi-evergreen shrub or small tree to 3.5 m in height. The thick-textured leaves emerge with a burgundy flush, becoming deep green with red veining. The foliage turns a spectacular burgundy shade in autumn and is retained on the tree for an extended period, until temperatures reach –26°C (NC State Extension 2026). The inflorescences are often pluribracteate (semi-double), with rose-pink bracts. This hybrid is unusual for its extended environmental range, combining exceptional heat tolerance (from C. hongkongensis) with significant hardiness inherited from C. kousa (cold-hardy to at least USDA 6b, –21°C) (US PP26542 P3).

The red pigmentation of Cornus 'NCCH1' Little Ruby® is inherited from its C. kousa parent. Image Mountain Crop Improvement Lab, NC State University.

Cornus 'NCCH1' Little Ruby® in winter plumage – the foliage may be held on the tree for many months, depending on temperature. Image Mountain Crop Improvement Lab, NC State University.

Burgundy-flushed new foliage in Cornus 'NCCH1' Little Ruby®. Image Mountain Crop Improvement Lab, NC State University.

'Pagoeta'

Raised at the Jardín Botánico de Iturraran in 2015 from seed from the same C. hongkongensis subsp. hongkongensis as ‘Iturraran’. Again, this is believed to be a spontaneous cross with C. capitata, though it differs from ‘Iturraran’ in its more rounded shape, smaller involucres, and leaves that are closer to those of Cornus capitata (P. Garin, pers. comm. 2026).

Cornus hongkongensis × C. capitata hybrids from the Jardín Botánico de Iturraran: 'Pagoeta' (left) and 'Iturraran' (right). Image Paco Garin.

Leaves of Cornus 'Pagoeta' (left) and 'Iturraran' (right). Image Paco Garin.

Leaves and bracts of Cornus 'Pagoeta' (left) and 'Iturraran' (right). Image Paco Garin.

Inflorescence bracts of Cornus 'Pagoeta'. Image Paco Garin.

'Parc de Haute Bretagne'

An upright shrub or small tree with coppery spring and autumn foliage and white- to pink-bracted involucres (approx. 11 cm across) in early summer; hardy to –10°C – selected by Alain Jouno at the Parc de Haute Bretagne, near Fougères (Sapho 2026). A spontaneous cross of Cornus hongkongensis × C. ‘Norman Hadden’,

New growth of Cornus 'Parc de Haute Bretagne' seen in a British garden centre (May 2026). Image John Grimshaw.

Reddish young foliage of Cornus 'Parc de Haute Bretagne' (Wespelaar Arboretum, Haacht, Belgium; 19 June 2024). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

Cornus 'Parc de Haute Bretagne' (Cornus hongkongensis × C. 'Norman Hadden'), flowering when young at Wespelaar Arboretum, Haacht, Belgium (19 June 2024). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

'Snow Around Paige'

Variegated foliage with a green central blaze (also with some paler green sectors) surrounded by a white margin, colouring deep crimson in autumn before falling. Leaves lanceolate to broadly elliptic, tapering, length to 8.5 cm, 3–5 vein pairs; bracts greenish white; fruits to 2.5 cm in diameter (Hagiwara 2017).

'Summer Flare'

Synonyms / alternative names
Cornus hongkongensis 'Summer Flair'
Cornus hongkongensis 'Summer Flare Tetra'

Elliptic-ovate, non-overlapping white bracts, the involucre approx. 10 cm across, leaves elliptic to oblong-elliptic, few-veined, heavily red-flushed on emergence, glossy mid-green above, pale dull green below with slight pubescence in vein axils (Hagiwara 2013). Bred in Japan by Toshihiro Hagiwara, Japanese patent applied for in 2010, granted 2013 (CPVO 2026).

Cornus hongkongensis hybrids 'Summer Flare'

Mature white inflorescences on Cornus 'Summer Flare' at Junker Nursery, Somerset, UK. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Expanding bracts and foliage on Cornus 'Summer Flare' at Junker Nursery, Somerset, UK. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Cornus 'Summer Flare' at Junker Nursery, Somerset, UK. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

'Summer Glassy'

Synonyms / alternative names
Cornus hongkongensis 'Summer Glossy'
Cornus kousa 'Summer Glossy'
Cornus 'Summer Pink Rim Tetra'

Glossy, dark-green, elliptic leaves, the few veins showing the unmistakable influence of the C. hongkongensis parent, new foliage emerging red. Abaxial domatia in the vein axils, but with little or no associated pubescence (Hagiwara 2013). Bracts faint pink when they first expand, becoming white, broadly ovate, apiculate, bases attenuate, held separately to give an elegant cross-shape (Pépinières Côte Sud des Landes 2026). Bred in Japan by Hagiwara Toshihiro, Japanese patent applied for in 2010, granted 2013 (CPVO 2026).

'Summer Sky Tree'

Synonyms / alternative names
Cornus 'Summer Rounded Tetra'
Cornus 'Sky Tree'

Another of Hagiwara’s Summer series (CPVO 2026). Pyramidal in habit, foliage glossy dark-green, young leaves emerging red, red autumn colour; approximately 25% of the leaves fall in autumn (Pépinières Côte Sud des Landes 2026). Spreading involucres borne on long peduncles, the bracts white, ridged, distinctively broad (broadly ovate to sub-orbicular), apiculate, bases attenuate, barely overlapping, more fulsome in appearance than ‘Summer Glassy’ (Hagiwara 2013). Bluebell Nursery (2026) reports it very hardy in Derbyshire, UK.

Cornus hongkongensis hybrids 'Summer Sky Tree'

The bracts of Cornus 'Summer Sky Tree' are tinted on emergence, maturing to white (Junker Nursery, Somerset, UK). Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

White involucres of Cornus 'Summer Sky Tree' (offered as 'Sky Tree') at Junker Nursery, Somerset, UK. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Remarkable glossy red foliage and matching involucres of Cornus 'Summer Sky Tree' (offered as 'Sky Tree') at Junker Nursery, Somerset, UK. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Attractively tinted involucres of Cornus 'Summer Sky Tree' (offered as 'Sky Tree') at Junker Nursery, Somerset, UK. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Foliage of 'Summer Sky Tree', sometimes offered as a selection of C. kousa. Image Van Ooi, Reeuwijk.

Cornus 'Summer Sky Tree' (offered as 'Sky Tree') at Junker Nursery, Somerset, UK. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

'Winter Red Paige'

A columnar, evergreen selection with broadly elliptic white bracts with pink-rimmed margin; leaves glossy deep green above, paler green below, the foliage turning dull claret-red in winter; fruits globose, to 3 cm across (Hagiwara 2017).

'Yellow Paige'

Ascending evergreen selection with a strong central leader, the foliage turning dull purple green in winter. Bracts white, overlapping, broadly elliptic, nearly orbicular, shortly acuminate; leaves broadly elliptic, 3–4 veins each side of midvein, tapering. Fruit subglobose, to 4 cm across (Hagiwara 2017).