Wedding cake tree (Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’) is a tree that can grow 3m – 8m tall and 3m – 8m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Wedding cake tree (Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’).
This plant has several common names including: wedding cake tree or variegated table dogwood.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 20-50 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: wedding cake tree, variegated table dogwood
Scientific name: Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’
Plant type: Trees
Habit: Bushy
Height: 3m – 8m
Spread: 3m – 8m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: Architectural
Planting type: Low Maintenance
Other characteristics: RHS Award of Garden Merit
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Wedding cake tree (Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’) – Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Trees are essential plants in gardens, large and small, with their sculptural presence.
In terms of design, they add height, structure and interest all year round with attractive flowers, foliage, fruits and trunks.
In addition, they provide home and a food source for birds and other wildlife.
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Wedding cake tree (Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Wedding cake tree (Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’ likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.
Sunlight
Wedding cake tree (Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Wedding cake tree (Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’) – Wzwz, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
