Wedding Cake Tree

Cornus Controversa Variegata

From £102.24

The Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus Controversa Variegata is small, slow growing graceful tree for any size garden. It is a stunning ornamental tree with elegant, tiered branches and variegated green and cream leaves. White flowers bloom in summer, followed by blue-black berries and vibrant red-purple autumn foliage. Beautiful year-round, especially striking in winter with its unique layered form. Prefers full sun and a sheltered, moisture-retentive site. No pruning required.

Buying Options

Features

Mature Height

Mature Height

6 metres
Soil Types

Soil Types

Chalky, Clay, Sandy
Growth Rate

Growth Rate

Very Slow
Lighting

Lighting

Full Sun
Leaf Colour

Leaf Colour

Normal: Green/yellow variegated/ white flowers in June, Autumn: Yellow
Crown Spread

Crown Spread

8 metres
Usage

Usage

Stunning small garden tree. Suitable for containers and patio

Full Description

Add elegance and year-round interest to your garden with the stunning Wedding Cake Tree, aptly named for its beautifully layered, horizontal branches that resemble a tiered celebration cake. This striking ornamental tree offers a unique architectural shape that makes it a true focal point in any landscape.

In spring, the tree bursts to life with fresh, bright green leaves edged in creamy white. These variegated leaves are a real eye-catcher, bringing light and texture to your garden. As summer arrives, the tree produces delicate clusters of creamy-white flowers, attracting pollinators and adding to its soft, romantic charm.

Come autumn, the display continues as the foliage turns rich shades of red and purple, creating a vibrant seasonal contrast. Deep blue-black berries also appear, providing a valuable food source for birds and enhancing its appeal to wildlife enthusiasts.

Even in winter, after the leaves have fallen, the tree maintains a strong visual presence. Its distinctive tiered branch structure stands out against the bare landscape, offering interest and form during the colder months.

This exceptional tree is perfect for smaller gardens or as a feature in a larger landscape. With its ever-changing seasonal beauty and graceful structure, the Wedding Cake Tree brings a touch of sophistication and natural artistry to any outdoor space.

Aftercare

To thrive, the Wedding Cake Tree prefers a moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in full sun or dappled shade, and it performs best when planted in a sheltered location away from cold winds. Avoid pruning, as this would disrupt its signature layered shape, which develops naturally over time.

Delivery

Within 24 hours of placing your order, we will contact you to confirm an exact delivery date. Most orders are delivered within 5 working days. Your plants will be freshly lifted and packaged the day before dispatch to ensure they arrive in the best possible condition.

If you have a preferred delivery date please use the comments box and we will try our best to accommodate this (not available at weekends).

Although items can remain in their packaging for 7–10 days if kept frost-free, we recommend planting bareroot trees as soon as possible after delivery.

We use a courier service, and a signature is required on delivery unless you specify a safe place in the comments box when placing your order.

Small Orders (UK Mainland Only)

Orders of 1–15 plants in size 40/60cm can often be sent via Royal Mail for £8.00.

Please note: Your basket will initially show a delivery charge of £15.00 + VAT, but if you request Royal Mail delivery in the comments box, we will adjust the payment for you once we receive the order.

England and Wales Standard Delivery Charges

  • Orders up to £75 – £15 + VAT
  • £76 – £200 – £22 + VAT
  • £201 – £300 – £30 + VAT
  • £301 – £500 – £40 + VAT
  • £501 – £1000 – £45 + VAT
  • Over £1000 – £50 + VAT

Mainland Scotland Standard Delivery Charges

  • Orders up to £75.99 – £20 + VAT
  • £76 – £150.99 – £28.40 + VAT
  • £151 – £300.99 – £38 + VAT
  • £301 – £500.99 – £50 + VAT
  • £501 – £1000.99 – £56 + VAT
  • Over £1001 – £62 + VAT

Click and Collect

Click and collect available free of charge from: Tree Shop Ltd., Harts Barn, Monmouth Road, Longhope, GL17 0QD, UK

Potted

Size (cm)Qty 1-10  
80 - 100£102.24
120 - 150£210.00