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Cornus controversa 'Variegata' (v)
  • RHS AGM

wedding cake tree

A small deciduous tree with strongly tiered branches bearing narrowly ovate leaves broadly margined with cream and turning yellow in autumn. Small, cream flowers in flat clusters are followed by black berries

Other common names
variegated table dogwood
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Cream Green
Summer Cream Cream Green
Autumn Yellow Black
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Cornaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Cornus can be deciduous shrubs or trees, or creeping, woody-based perennials, some with brightly coloured young stems. Tiny flowers are borne in dense clusters, sometimes with showy bracts. Many have fine autumn colour

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus

Get involved

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