BlueBell Arboretum & Nursery

Growers of rare trees & shrubs

Description

A popular and beautiful plant which is similar to the lovely Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' in appearance, only more vigorous and perhaps slightly more robust. The leaves are very attractive, dappled with white and cream variegation and in summer, clusters of small, white flowers appear on the tiered branches. A classic garden plant which will develop a strongly tiered habit.

Features

• Common name: Wedding Cake tree.
• Position: Full sun.
• Soil: Fertile soil.
• Hardiness: Hardy
• Flowering Period: June.
• Flower Colour: White
• Rate of Growth: Moderate.
• Habit: Small tree with a handsome tiered shape once established.
• Height: 10 m (32 ft)
• Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
• Pruning: After planting, look for a strongly growing stem developing after about two to four years, perhaps growing at an odd angle but obviously much more vigorous than the normal shoots. Train this stem vertically (usually up a thin bamboo cane or similar) to form the trunk and basis of the tiered structure. Some plants occasionally produce two or even three of these vigorous "leaders", in this case remove all but the most central one.
• Supplied Size: One to two year old plants at 20 - 40 cm tall in 3L containers