Gardening Express Cornus controversa Wedding Cake Pagoda Tree

Cornus controversa, often called the Wedding Cake Tree, is a striking deciduous tree, admired for its elegant, tiered branching and architectural form. Its horizontal layers create a beautifully balanced, pagoda-like silhouette, making it an outstanding feature tree in any garden ...Cornus controversa, often called the Wedding Cake Tree, is a striking deciduous tree, admired for its elegant, tiered branching and architectural form. Its horizontal layers create a beautifully balanced, pagoda-like silhouette, making it an outstanding feature tree in any garden.

In late spring to early summer, clusters of small, creamy-white flowers appear, held above the branches like delicate lace, attracting bees and pollinators. The lush green foliage provides a fresh, refined backdrop throughout summer before turning soft shades of yellow in autumn. The bark also peels attractively on mature trees, adding subtle winter interest.

Cornus controversa thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered position in sun or partial shade. It is best used as a specimen in a lawn or large border, where its shape can be fully appreciated. Underplant with spring bulbs or low-growing evergreens for added seasonal impact.

Low-maintenance and slow-growing, this tree rewards patient gardeners with year-round elegance and stunning structure. Strong plants supplied in approx 4 litre containers.