The Cornus controversa, commonly known as the Wedding Cake Tree, is a striking deciduous tree renowned for its distinctive horizontal branching pattern, which gives it a layered, tiered appearance reminiscent of a wedding cake. This ornamental tree typically reaches a mature height of 8 to 15 meters and a spread of 6 to 10 meters, making it an excellent choice for medium to large gardens. The tree's branches form elegant, horizontal layers, creating an eye-catching architectural structure that is especially noticeable in winter when the leaves have fallen.

One of the key features of the Cornus controversa is its variegated foliage, with leaves that are dark green with creamy white margins. In spring, the tree produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that give way to blue-black berries in late summer, attracting birds and other wildlife. In autumn, the leaves turn a striking shade of reddish-purple, adding seasonal interest to the garden.

The Wedding Cake Tree thrives best in well-drained, fertile soil and prefers a position in full sun to partial shade. It is relatively low-maintenance once established and can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided they are not waterlogged. This tree is an excellent choice for those looking to add a unique and visually appealing element to their landscape, offering year-round beauty and interest.

Tree Specs

• Common Name: Wedding Cake Tree
• Botanical Name: Cornus controversa
• Mature Height: 5-7m
• Key Features:
  • Stunning variegated foliage
  • beautiful tiered branching
  • masses of early summer white flowers
  • Berries for wildlife