{"product_id":"cornus-controversa-variegata-wedding-cake-tree","title":"Cornus controversa 'Variegata' (Wedding Cake Tree)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eCornus controversa\u003cb\u003e 'Variegata' (Wedding Cake Tree) \u003c\/b\u003eThis stunning, slow-growing, deciduous tree is a magnificent specimen plant prized for its unique, architectural form. It is widely known as the 'Wedding Cake Tree' due to its distinct, gracefully tiered, horizontal branches.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cb\u003eEssential Characteristics \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHabit:\u003c\/b\u003e Features distinctive, horizontally layered branches that stack up like the tiers of a wedding cake, creating a beautiful silhouette year-round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/b\u003e Deciduous leaves are bright \u003cb\u003egreen with bold, creamy-white margins\u003c\/b\u003e. The variegation remains clean and striking throughout the summer. In \u003cb\u003eautumn, the leaves turn yellow\u003c\/b\u003e (sometimes with hints of red-purple) before dropping. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/b\u003e In late spring to early summer (May-June), the tiered branches are covered with showy, flattened clusters of tiny, \u003cb\u003ecreamy-white flowers\u003c\/b\u003e, adding to the \"frosted\" effect. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFruit:\u003c\/b\u003e Flowers are followed by small, \u003cb\u003eblue-black berries\u003c\/b\u003e in late summer\/autumn, which are a good food source for birds. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e A slow grower, eventually reaching an ultimate height and spread of about 15-25 ft (4–8m), though can grow larger in ideal conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrowing Information \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight:\u003c\/b\u003e Prefers \u003cb\u003efull sun\u003c\/b\u003e  or \u003cb\u003epartial shade\u003c\/b\u003e. In hot summer climates, afternoon shade is appreciated to protect the variegated leaves from scorching and to maintain vibrant color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil:\u003c\/b\u003e Needs \u003cb\u003efertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil\u003c\/b\u003e. It does best in soil that is slightly \u003cb\u003eacidic to neutral\u003c\/b\u003e (pH 5.0 to 7.5). Avoid dry or chalky soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater:\u003c\/b\u003e Requires \u003cb\u003econsistent, medium moisture\u003c\/b\u003e. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially when establishing (the first 3-4 years). Mulching helps keep the roots cool and retain soil moisture. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/b\u003e Fully hardy and reliable in temperate climates. It prefers areas with moderately cool summers. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/b\u003e Very \u003cb\u003elow maintenance\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003cb\u003eNo regular pruning is required\u003c\/b\u003e as this would ruin its natural, tiered, architectural shape. Only remove any damaged, dead, or crossing branches during the dormant season (late autumn to early spring).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlacement:\u003c\/b\u003e Best planted as a \u003cb\u003efocal point or specimen tree\u003c\/b\u003e in a lawn or border where its striking shape and variegation can be fully appreciated. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePests\/Disease:\u003c\/b\u003e Can be susceptible to leaf spot and scale.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MN8 Gardens ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52726981525844,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0966\/7618\/4404\/files\/Capture_c7872a16-7ffb-416d-b284-77ebdd534a29.png?v=1778241880","url":"https:\/\/www.mn8gardens.ie\/products\/cornus-controversa-variegata-wedding-cake-tree","provider":"MN8 Gardens ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}