{"product_id":"cornus-controversa-variegata-9-litre-pot","title":"Cornus Controversa Variegata 9 Litre Pot","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"278\" data-end=\"363\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"278\" data-end=\"363\"\u003eCornus controversa ‘Variegata’ – Wedding Cake Tree with Stunning Layered Branches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"666\"\u003eCornus controversa ‘Variegata’, commonly known as the Wedding Cake Tree, is one of the most elegant ornamental trees for the garden. Celebrated for its beautifully tiered horizontal branching and striking variegated foliage, it creates a graceful architectural silhouette unlike almost any other tree.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"668\" data-end=\"893\"\u003eThe broad green leaves are edged in creamy white, giving the canopy a luminous layered appearance through spring and summer. The soft variegation brightens the garden and contrasts beautifully against darker planting schemes.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"895\" data-end=\"1203\"\u003eIts distinctive horizontal branching structure develops naturally over time, forming the classic “wedding cake” shape that makes this tree such a sought-after specimen. In early summer, clusters of creamy-white flowers appear above the foliage, followed occasionally by small dark berries that attract birds.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1205\" data-end=\"1409\"\u003eAutumn brings further seasonal interest as the foliage develops warm reddish and purple tones before falling to reveal attractive red young stems and the tree’s elegant branching framework through winter.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1411\" data-end=\"1564\"\u003eBest grown as a specimen tree, it thrives in sheltered positions with moist, fertile, well-drained soil where its layered habit can be fully appreciated.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1566\" data-end=\"1738\"\u003eRefined, architectural, and truly eye-catching, Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’ is an exceptional choice for adding structure, elegance, and year-round beauty to the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr data-start=\"1740\" data-end=\"1743\"\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1745\" data-end=\"1768\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1745\" data-end=\"1768\"\u003eSeasonal Highlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1770\" data-end=\"2000\"\u003eSpring: Variegated foliage emerges brightly.\u003cbr data-start=\"1814\" data-end=\"1817\"\u003eSummer: Tiered branches and creamy-white flowers create elegance.\u003cbr data-start=\"1882\" data-end=\"1885\"\u003eAutumn: Foliage develops rich red and purple tones.\u003cbr data-start=\"1936\" data-end=\"1939\"\u003eWinter: Layered branching and red stems remain architectural.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr data-start=\"2002\" data-end=\"2005\"\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2007\" data-end=\"2023\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2007\" data-end=\"2023\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2025\" data-end=\"2268\"\u003eTiered branching – Distinctive “Wedding Cake” shape.\u003cbr data-start=\"2077\" data-end=\"2080\"\u003eVariegated foliage – Cream-edged green leaves.\u003cbr data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2129\"\u003eArchitectural form – Elegant specimen tree.\u003cbr data-start=\"2172\" data-end=\"2175\"\u003eSeasonal colour – Autumn foliage and red stems.\u003cbr data-start=\"2222\" data-end=\"2225\"\u003eLow maintenance – Minimal pruning required.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr data-start=\"2270\" data-end=\"2273\"\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2275\" data-end=\"2290\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2275\" data-end=\"2290\"\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2292\" data-end=\"2526\"\u003eFeature planting – Outstanding specimen tree.\u003cbr data-start=\"2337\" data-end=\"2340\"\u003eLarge gardens – Space to appreciate layered form.\u003cbr data-start=\"2389\" data-end=\"2392\"\u003eWoodland edges – Naturalistic planting.\u003cbr data-start=\"2431\" data-end=\"2434\"\u003eJapanese-style gardens – Elegant architectural structure.\u003cbr data-start=\"2491\" data-end=\"2494\"\u003eLawns – Isolated focal planting.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr data-start=\"2528\" data-end=\"2531\"\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2533\" data-end=\"2549\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2533\" data-end=\"2549\"\u003eGrowing Tips\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2551\" data-end=\"2755\"\u003eSun\/Position: Sun or partial shade; sheltered from strong winds.\u003cbr data-start=\"2615\" data-end=\"2618\"\u003eSoil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil preferred.\u003cbr data-start=\"2668\" data-end=\"2671\"\u003eHardiness: Fully hardy in the UK.\u003cbr data-start=\"2704\" data-end=\"2707\"\u003eCare: Minimal pruning required once established.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr data-start=\"2757\" data-end=\"2760\"\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2762\" data-end=\"2782\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2762\" data-end=\"2782\"\u003eLooks Great With\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2784\" data-end=\"3009\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eJapanese maples – Elegant layered planting.\u003cbr data-start=\"2827\" data-end=\"2830\"\u003eFerns – Soft woodland combinations.\u003cbr data-start=\"2865\" data-end=\"2868\"\u003eGrasses – Adds movement beneath the canopy.\u003cbr data-start=\"2911\" data-end=\"2914\"\u003eEvergreens – Contrasts with variegated foliage.\u003cbr data-start=\"2961\" data-end=\"2964\"\u003eHydrangeas – Woodland-style planting schemes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grasslands Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56600707563846,"sku":"172704","price":74.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/7948\/8326\/files\/aacfc651-f226-4538-ba48-26a297d15a65.jpg?v=1779453026","url":"https:\/\/www.grasslands.co.uk\/products\/cornus-controversa-variegata-9-litre-pot","provider":"Grasslands Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}