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Wedding cake tree
The Cornus controversa 'Variegata', commonly known as the wedding cake tree for its distinctive, tiered habit, is a prized ornamental shrub that brings a stunning visual impact to any garden. With its beautiful variegated foliage and striking form, this deciduous tree creates a focal point that captivates onlookers from spring to autumn.
We would like to provide some tips on how to plant and care for a Shrubs. By following these tips, you can be sure to enjoy your Shrubs for a long time.
For optimal growth, Cornus controversa 'Variegata' should be planted in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. While it tolerates a range of soil conditions, the soil must be well-drained to prevent root rot. The presence of ample sunlight is particularly beneficial for enhancing the variegated foliage's vibrancy. This species thrives when it is given space to exhibit its natural, tiered growth habit, making it an ideal choice for use as a solitary specimen in a border where its unique structure can be fully appreciated. Regular watering is required to maintain its health and support its average water needs.
Ensure the chosen site for Cornus controversa 'Variegata' can accommodate its mature height of up to 5 meters, providing ample space for its upright growth habit. Planting is best performed in a well-drained soil of any type, in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Upon planting, water the specimen sufficiently to establish a strong root system. Regular watering should follow, particularly during dry spells, to maintain its average water needs. The creamy variegated foliage in spring and summer transforms to a striking yellow in autumn, making this deciduous shrub a visually captivating addition to any border or as a standalone feature.
The Cornus controversa 'Variegata' is a shrub that necessitates very little in the way of pruning. Its natural, tiered habit is best preserved without excessive cutting. If pruning is required to maintain shape or remove any deadwood, it should be carried out during the dormant season. This minimal approach allows the plant to sustain its characteristic form, ensuring that its elegant, cream-edged leaves and horizontal branches continue to provide visual interest throughout the year.
To ensure the health and vitality of Cornus controversa 'Variegata', it is crucial to maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil. This species has an average water need, which means it should be watered deeply enough to moisten the soil without causing waterlogging. During periods of extended dryness or heat, it is important to monitor the soil moisture and irrigate accordingly to prevent stress. A layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture and reduce the frequency of watering. Despite its average water needs, avoid overwatering as this can lead to root problems.
To ensure the health and vigor of Cornus controversa 'Variegata', a consistent fertilization regimen should be employed. This specimen benefits from an annual application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, ideally applied in early spring to coincide with the onset of the growing season. The fertilizer should be evenly distributed around the base of the plant, taking care not to concentrate it too close to the trunk, and then watered in thoroughly to aid in the dispersion of nutrients.
The carefully timed nourishment supports the development of the plant's striking cream and green variegated foliage in spring and summer, followed by its autumn transformation to a vibrant yellow. Furthermore, adequate fertilization contributes to the production of its characteristic white flowers and subsequent black fruit, adding to the plant's ornamental appeal throughout the seasons.
Cornus controversa 'Variegata' is a captivating addition to any garden, offering a unique, tiered structure that becomes more pronounced with age. The creamy white margins on its leaves bring a luminous quality to shaded areas. This species thrives in a pot, allowing for portability and the ability to control growth. The bright foliage and distinctive form make it a perfect focal point, ensuring that it stands out through every season.
Cornus controversa 'Variegata' typically reaches a height of 5 meters when fully mature.
Cornus controversa 'Variegata' is adaptable to various soil types, but it thrives best in well-drained soil. Ensuring proper drainage allows the plant to establish a healthy root system and promotes its overall well-being.
The optimal location for Cornus controversa 'Variegata' is one that receives ample sunlight while also allowing for some partial shade. This plant flourishes when placed in an area where it can experience a balance of direct sunlight and partial shade throughout the day.
The blossoms of Cornus controversa 'Variegata' display a delicate white hue during the flowering season.
Cornus controversa 'Variegata' is indeed winter hardy. With the ability to endure temperatures ranging from -15.0°C to -9.4°C, it is classified within the USDA hardiness zones 7b/8a. As such, this plant is well-equipped to thrive during the winter months in areas within these specified hardiness zones.
Cornus controversa 'Variegata' is not an evergreen plant. It is a deciduous plant, shedding its leaves during the autumn season and regrowing them in the spring.
Cornus controversa 'Variegata' achieves its ultimate height over a span of 20 to 50 years, showcasing a gradual and steady growth pattern, allowing for a long-term observation of its development and maturity.
If we are proud of anything at Heijnen Plants, it is our plant packaging. We have developed our own unique way of packaging our 9x9 cm potted plants. After years of continued development and research, we managed to create packaging that allows plants to be delivered to your home undamaged and quickly through a parcel service. This makes us unique!
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If you have ordered large-sized plants or trees, we deliver them on sealed pallets and place them around your house or driveway. The pallets are sturdy and provide optimal protection for large-sized plants.
We deliver small or medium-sized plants in boxes. The size of the box depends on the size of the plant. We always make sure that the plant has enough space but still stands firmly in the box, so it cannot be damaged during transport.
The Cornus controversa 'Variegata' stands out with its striking, variegated foliage and elegant, tiered branches. Ideal for those seeking a distinctive ornamental addition to their landscape, this species offers a stunning display of beauty throughout the seasons, making it a perfect choice for any garden enthusiast.
