Cornus controversa 'Variegata' (Wedding Cake Tree)
Wedding Cake Tree, Giant Dogwood, Variegated Giant Dogwood
Graceful and spectacular, Cornus controversa 'Variegata' (Wedding Cake Tree) is a small deciduous tree with beautifully layered horizontal branches. The stems are red and the ovate green leaves are adorned with bright creamy margins. In late spring, small, creamy-white flowers appear in flattened clusters and provide a great floral show. The blossoms give way to black berries in late summer, which persist into fall, unless devoured by hungry birds. In summer, its canopy of layered branches provides shade and beauty. In the fall, it offers lovely yellow color before the leaves shed to the ground. One of the most stunning variegated trees, this Giant Dogwood makes a wonderful focal point for a small to medium-sized garden.
- Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- Grows up to 35-40 ft. high and across (10-12 m).
- Performs best in full sun or part shade in acidic, organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Some afternoon shade is welcomed in hot summer areas.
- Generally pest and disease free. Watch for horse chestnut scale.
- Great choice as a specimen or in lawns, shrub borders, or foundation plantings.
- Propagate by grafting
Dogwood Trees: Add Vibrant Beauty to Your Landscape
Want to learn how to grow and care for a Dogwood tree like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these charming plants.Read More
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Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 18, 19 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Cornus - Dogwoods |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 35' – 40' (10.5m – 12m) |
Spread | 35' – 40' (10.5m – 12m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |
© Martin Ogden /www.teddingtongardener.com, ©Clive Nichols, Jacqueline Klose / Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 18, 19 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Cornus - Dogwoods |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 35' – 40' (10.5m – 12m) |
Spread | 35' – 40' (10.5m – 12m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |