loading

Cornus controversa 'Variegata'

wedding cake tree

Product Image
Known as the wedding cake tree, because of its distinctive, horizontal, tiered habit, this tree makes a lovely focal point for a small to medium-sized garden. It has bright green leaves with bold, creamy-white margins, which turn red-purple in autumn, and produces clusters of white flowers in June. Although it tolerates dappled shade, it performs best in fertile, moisture-retentive soil in full sun. This plant in a 3lt pot will be approx 20cm tall so won't have the tiered branches yet, but this spectacular shape will develop as it grows.

How to care for Cornus controversa Variegata:

Incorporate a quantity of well-rotted garden compost or horse manure in the planting hole to improve the moisture-retentive qualities of the soil. The tree requires no regular pruning, since this would interfere with its graceful, tiered habit.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
8m
Eventual spread:
8m
Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

  • InformationThis shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

Product options

Add to basket
Product options image
PL00001749
3 litre pot
£69.99
In stock
(shipped within 1-2 working days)
Remove Add
Product options image
PL00001750
12 litre pot | 0.8 - 1m tall
£129.99
available to order from spring
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Standard delivery Standard Delivery£5.95
Nominated delivery Named Day Delivery£10.95

Goes well with

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year