wedding cake dogwood tree for sale

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

If you’re searching for a truly eye-catching feature for your garden, the elegant wedding cake dogwood tree for sale—officially known as Cornus controversa variegata—is a top choice for New Zealand gardeners. Famed for its unique tiered branches and distinctive variegated foliage, this remarkable small tree is the perfect way to create a stylish focal point in garden beds, woodland borders, or as an ornamental specimen on a lawn. The wedding cake dogwood delights throughout the seasons, boasting cream-edged green leaves in spring and summer, fluffy white blooms in early summer, and a stunning golden-yellow display in autumn.

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.

Buy Cornus controversa variegata

From $349.95

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

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

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Why Choose a Wedding Cake Dogwood Tree?

The wedding cake dogwood tree stands out due to its unusual layered habit, resembling the tiers of a wedding cake—hence the name. Its horizontal branches create architectural interest all year long, even when the leaves have dropped. In spring, the fresh variegated leaves emerge, followed by clusters of creamy-white flowers that attract pollinators and add further appeal to the tree. Throughout summer, the foliage stays lush and vibrant, while in autumn, the leaves develop warm golden tones before falling.

Cornus controversa variegata is relatively easy to care for and is tolerant of a variety of soil types as long as the area is well-drained. It thrives in a spot with morning sun or light, dappled shade, making it ideal for mixed borders or woodland-inspired gardens.

Planting and Growing Tips

When planting your wedding cake dogwood tree, choose a location sheltered from strong winds to protect its tiered branches. The tree prefers moist, rich soils but will adapt to most garden beds as long as water does not pool during the winter. Mulching the base helps conserve moisture and maintain even temperatures. Pruning is rarely required, as the tree’s natural habit is its best feature. Simply remove any dead or crossing branches in late winter if needed.

Explore More Beautiful Dogwoods

If you love unusual ornamental trees, our selection offers many more striking options. The Cornus Cherokee Chief impresses with red spring flowers and rich autumn colour, while Cornus 'Cherokee Princess' dazzles with profuse white blooms. For something unique, Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' is a hybrid prized for its elegant habit and hardiness. For low-growing dogwoods, Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea' and Cornus 'Stokes Pink' offer colourful stems and foliage.

Looking to diversify further? Ornamental trees like Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica' (Weeping Birch), Michelia Starbright, or Idesia polycarpa (Male) (Idesia Tree) also make stunning companions for your new wedding cake dogwood tree.

Order Your Wedding Cake Dogwood Tree

Bring home the wedding cake dogwood tree for sale today and elevate your garden with its graceful, tiered silhouette and season-long charm. Whether you’re designing a contemporary landscape or curating a classic woodland border, Cornus controversa variegata is a standout specimen tree that promises years of beauty. Browse our full range of exceptional dogwoods and companion trees, including Cornus 'Cloud 9' and Cercis canadensis Silver Lining (Red Bud Tree), to find inspiration for your dream garden design.

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.