Cornus Controversa Variegata (Wedding Cake Tree)

Cornus Controversa Variegata

Cornus controversa variegata commonly known as The Wedding Cake Tree is an upright, tiered deciduous tree with spreading branches. This variegated Cornus has green leaves with bold cream white margins which dramatically turn red and purple in the autumn. Cornus Controversa Variegata produces an abundance of small white flowers from May to June bourne in flat clusters. This is followed by blue-black berries in July, which are adored by birds. 

Easy to grow and to care for, The Wedding Cake Tree is considered pest and disease free. This Cornus variety is also the recipient of The Award of Garden Merit by Royal Horticultural Society, a sure sign of its outstanding performance in the garden. Fully hardy in the United Kingdom, Cornus Controversa Variegata can survive even if the temperatures drop to 15 degrees below zero. As it is frost hardy, this highly decorative cultivar won’t need sheltering during the winter months.

This striking ornamental tree is compact in size and reaches a maximum height of 3 metres with a maximum spread of 3 metres. The bushy habit of The Wedding Cake Tree is easy to maintain. Apart from removing dead or damaged branches in late winter to early spring, there’s not much that needs to be done to keep this cultivar in great shape.

This Cornus enjoys full sun, but it fares well in partial shade as well. The Wedding Cake Tree will thrive in any type of soil, as long as it’s well-drained. Grow this plant as a specimen tree in a prominent position. The striking, layered form of Cornus Controversa Variegata offers both architectural and aesthetic value and adds elegance to any landscape.  It looks great planted near red foliage such as that of Japanese acers. You might also be interested in our vast collection of ornamental trees. In case you’re looking for established cultivars, don’t miss our amazing offers on mature trees.