Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

variegated cornus

Variegated cornus are some of the most sought-after ornamental plants for New Zealand gardeners who want to add year-round interest, vibrant foliage, and architectural structure to their landscapes. Known for their striking colour contrast between creamy white, soft pink, or golden margins and lush green leaves, variegated cornus varieties are perfect for brightening up borders, creating eye-catching specimen plantings, or adding texture to woodland gardens. Their resilient growth, outstanding visual appeal, and ease of care help make variegated cornus a top choice among both novice and expert gardeners.

Cornus controversa variegata (Wedding Cake Tree) specimen in a large garden.

Cornus controversa variegata

Cornus controversa variegata, commonly referred to as the Wedding Cake Tree, features tiered branches that bear leaves that are variegated cream and green. The foliage retains this colouring until autumn, when yellow tones develop before the leaves fall. It typically grows to 6 m tall and 4 m wide and is usually trimmed to enhance the shape.

From $349.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.50 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' specimen tree with masses of pink flowers in late winter.

Cornus 'Cherokee Chief'

Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' is a small, deciduous tree grown for its impressive flowering and attractive form. Masses of rose-red flowers are borne in spring just as the new foliage begins to emerge.

From $279.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Cornus 'Southern Cross' white flowers with lush, green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross'

Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross' features large and showy, white flowers which adorn the tree in spring and are followed by red berries in autumn. It...

From$349.95
Cornus 'Eddies White Wonder' white flowers held on trailing stems.
Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder'

Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' is a deciduous dogwood tree renowned for its impressive spring blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage. This hybrid...

From$349.95
Cornus 'Stokes Pink' elegant pink flowers.
Cornus 'Stokes Pink'

Cornus 'Stokes Pink' is a deciduous shrub grown for its colourful flowering in spring. At this time, masses of showy, two-tone pink flowers are borne...

From$279.95
Acorus gramineus variegata plants growing in pots with green and cream foliage.
Acorus gramineus variegatus

Acorus gramineus variegatus, commonly known as Variegated Sweet Flag, is an attractive ornamental grass-like plant prized for its elegant green and...

From$12.95
Cornus 'Spring Song' rose-pink flowers.
Cornus florida 'Spring Song'

Cornus florida 'Spring Song' is a deciduous shrub grown for its colourful flowering in spring. At this time, masses of showy, rose-pink flowers are...

From$349.95
Cornus 'Milky Way' specimen tree covered in masses of white flowers.
Cornus kousa 'Milky Way'

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way' features large and showy, white flowers that adorn the tree in spring and are followed by red berries in autumn. The glossy...

From$349.95
A Cornus 'Cloud 9' specimen tree with masses of white flowers.
Cornus 'Cloud 9'

Cornus 'Cloud 9' produces masses of showy, single, white flowers through spring, which are followed by clusters of red fruit in autumn. The foliage...

From$279.95
A small Cornus kousa 'China Girl' specimen tree with masses of white flowers against green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'China Girl'

Cornus kousa 'China Girl' is a small and popular, deciduous tree with large and showy, white flowers that adorn the tree in spring and are followed...

From$349.95
Cornus 'National' specimen tree with masses of cream-coloured flowers.
Cornus kousa 'National'

Cornus kousa 'National' is a deciduous tree that features large and showy, cream white flowers in spring, which are followed by red berries in...

From$279.95
A Cornus controversa (Giant Dogwood) specimen tree.
Cornus controversa

Cornus controversa, commonly known as the Giant Dogwood, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that features lush foliage that emerges mid-green in...

From$399.95
A Cornus kousa 'Satomi' specimen tree with masses of elegant pink flowers.
Cornus kousa 'Satomi'

Cornus kousa 'Satomi' is a small and popular, deciduous tree that features masses of large and showy, pink flowers in spring, which are followed by...

From$279.95
Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea' plants with yellow stems.
Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea'

Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea', commonly known as the Yellow Stem Dogwood, is a shrub that features bright yellow stems which become more pronounced...

From$279.95
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

From$17.95
Cornus alba 'Sibirica' new spring foliage with white flowers.
Cornus alba 'Sibirica'

Cornus alba 'Sibirica', commonly known as Siberian Dogwood, is a striking deciduous shrub ideal for New Zealand gardens. It is prized for its vivid...

From$24.95
pittosporum-tenuifolium-variegata-4
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata'

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata' is an attractive evergreen shrub renowned for its beautifully variegated foliage and elegant growth habit. The...

From$22.01
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' variegated foliage.
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' is a popular evergreen shrub admired for its striking variegated foliage. Its green leaves are edged with creamy...

From$22.01
viburnum-tinus-variegatum--1
Viburnum tinus 'Variegatum'

Viburnum tinus 'Variegatum' is an attractive evergreen shrub prized for its cream and green variegated foliage that provides year round colour and...

From$27.53
Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow' plant with pink flowers and foliage variegated green and yellow.
Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow'

Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow' is an architectural evergreen prized for its variegated sword like leaves washed with soft gold and green tones. In...

From$37.19
Dianella 'Margaret Pringle' plant in a pot.
Dianella 'Margaret Pringle'

Dianella 'Margaret Pringle' bears spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring, which are followed by small, blue berries in summer. These are...

From$20.63
acer-esk-sunset-
Acer 'Esk Sunset'

Acer 'Esk Sunset' is a stunning deciduous maple prized for its richly variegated foliage with green leaves flushed in pink, cream, and purple...

From$299.95
Griselinia Variegata growing in a garden.
Griselinia littoralis variegata (Variegated Griselinia)

Griselinia littoralis variegata carries dark green leaves with a heavy cream edge. This fast-growing evergreen typically reaches 2 m in height and...

From$18.95
Pittosporum eugenioides variegatum lush foliage.
Pittosporum eugenioides 'variegatum' (Variegated Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides 'variegatum', commonly known as Variegated Tarata, features slender, dark coloured stems which bear dark green leaves with a...

From$22.01
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.95
Cordyline australis albertii plants with variegated foliage.
Cordyline albertii

Cordyline albertii (Variegated Cabbage Tree) is a striking evergreen tree admired for its bold green leaves edged with creamy white variegation. This...

From$340.69
Buxus sempervirens variegata (Variegated Box) shrub with lush and colourful foliage.
Buxus sempervirens 'variegata'

Buxus sempervirens 'variegata' features small, mid-green leaves with cream-white edges on new growth, which age to become a darker green. It grows to...

From$17.95
Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven' plant in a garden with variegated leaves and blue flowers.
Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven'

Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven' is a stunning perennial admired for its finely divided variegated foliage and clusters of soft lavender blue bell...

From$30.29
Hemerocallis 'Golden Zebra' plant with yellow flowers.
Hemerocallis 'Golden Zebra'

Hemerocallis 'Golden Zebra' is a striking daylily admired for its golden yellow flowers and attractive variegated arching foliage. Flowering through...

From$19.25
Variegated Monstera plant in a pot with cream and green foliage.
Monstera albo 'variegata'

The Albo Variegata Monstera, also known as the Variegated Monstera, is a striking indoor plant prized for its large, split leaves splashed with...

From$149.95
acer-ukigumo--1
Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'

Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo' is a rare and highly ornamental Japanese Maple treasured for its striking white and pink variegated foliage. Often called the...

From$349.95
Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum white flowers and variegated leaves.
Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum (Variegated Star Jasmine)

Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum is a striking evergreen climber featuring glossy green leaves edged with creamy-white margins. In summer, it...

From$16.50
Cornus controversa variegata

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acorus, and Cornus, or related Categories - Grasses, Deciduous Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

Search variegated cornus

What Makes Variegated Cornus Special?

Variegated cornus varieties offer much more than impressive foliage. Many also feature showy spring flowers, distinctive berries that attract native birds, and coloured winter stems for off-season beauty. This versatility makes the variegated cornus family highly valued in modern planting designs. For example, the stately Cornus controversa variegata, known as the "Wedding Cake Tree", creates layered horizontal branches adorned with creamy-variegated leaves. It looks stunning as a feature tree or in a larger mixed border.

Another favourite is Cornus 'Cherokee Daybreak', a small specimen tree that thrives in sunny or partially shaded spots. With its cream-edged leaves and large, white spring flowers, this cornus is ideal for gardens where a striking but low-maintenance focal point is needed.

Popular Variegated Cornus Varieties

Several well-loved variegated cornus cultivars are perfectly suited to New Zealand gardens:

How to Grow and Care for Variegated Cornus

Most variegated cornus prefer moist, well-drained soils, and they’re happy in both full sun and dappled shade. Regular mulching and watering during dry spells will keep foliage looking its best, while a light prune in winter encourages bushier growth and intensifies colourful bark in stem varieties such as Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'.

Combining variegated cornus with textural contrasts like grasses or bamboos, such as Pleioblastus viridistriatus (Pleioblastus), enhances their beauty. Whether as a stand-alone feature or as part of a mixed planting scheme, these outstanding shrubs and trees bring long-lasting elegance to New Zealand gardens.

Where to Buy Variegated Cornus in New Zealand

Browse our range of premium variegated cornus, including Cornus 'Cherokee Daybreak', Cornus alba 'Elegantissima', Cornus florida 'Rainbow', and Cornus controversa variegata, to find the perfect addition for your landscape. Each variety is chosen for its performance and stunning appearance, ensuring your garden stands out in every season.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Sure, Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' and Cereus tetragonus are crowd-pleasers, but Leptospermum 'Wiri Linda', Camellia 'Kramers Beauty', and Bougainvillea 'Magnifica Traillii' are quietly making a name for themselves.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

466 Google reviews