Wedding Cake Tree

Cornus Controversa 'Variegata'

Overview

The Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus controversa \'Variegata\') is a striking deciduous shrub with layered, horizontal branches. It features variegated leaves with white margins that turn reddish-purple in fall. In late spring, it blooms small, star-like white flowers, enhancing its tiered "wedding cake" appearance. Mature size reaches up to 20-30 feet in height and spread. Prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Hardiness zones 5-8.

Sun Full, HalfWater Extra in Summer, MediumZones 5–8

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Culture

Sun: Full, Half
Water: Extra in Summer, Medium
USDA zones: 5–8

Shape & size

Mature height: 20–30 Ft.
Mature width: 35–40 Ft.

Classification

Family: Cornaceae

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Photos (68)

Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus Controversa 'Variegata') — tiered habit that resembles the layers of a wedding cake; each leaf is edged with a creamy, image 48

Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus Controversa 'Variegata') — With a height reaching upwards of 20 to 30 feet and a spread of 15 to 25 feet at maturity, image 49

Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus Controversa 'Variegata') — creamy-white flowers that create a soft contrast against the variegated foliage; the Wedding, image 52

Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus Controversa 'Variegata') — The horizontal branches form meticulously leveled tiers; which stands out against the green, image 51

Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus Controversa 'Variegata') — Each leaf is edged with a creamy white margin; tiered habit that resembles the layers of a, image 53

Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus Controversa 'Variegata') — which stands out against the green centers; it is adaptable to various soil types, although, image 54

Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus Controversa 'Variegata') — It is adaptable to various soil types, although well-drained, fertile loam is ideal; it, image 55

Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus Controversa 'Variegata') — Regular watering is crucial, especially in dry periods, to maintain its health and appearance, image 56

Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus Controversa 'Variegata') — the Wedding Cake Tree offers year-round interest and is a conversation piece for any client's, image 57

Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus Controversa 'Variegata') — white flowers in the garden; in late spring, it blooms small, star-like white flowers, image 58

Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus Controversa 'Variegata') — shrub with white blooms; this ornamental tree offers a commanding presence in any landscape, image 59

Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus Controversa 'Variegata') — shrub for full or half; the Wedding Cake Tree offers year-round interest and is a conversation, image 60

Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus Controversa 'Variegata') — It features variegated leaves with white margins that turn reddish-purple in fall; the, image 62

$Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus Controversa 'Variegata') — The Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus controversa \'Variegata\') is a striking deciduous shrub with, image 61$