What soil does Wedding cake tree grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, acidic.

Is Wedding cake tree hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Wedding cake tree be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

How much water does Wedding cake tree need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Wedding cake tree

Cornus controversa

Wedding cake tree (Cornus controversa) is a small tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €22.

Illustration of Wedding cake tree — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Its horizontal branches arranged in tiers make it one of the most beautifully shaped small trees: in late May and June flat plates of white flowers sit on top of the branches, followed by blue-black berries that birds soon strip. The form most often sold is the white-edged 'Variegata', which grows slowly and stays smaller than the green-leaved species. Give it a sheltered spot out of the hot afternoon sun with humus-rich, evenly moist soil, and leave it plenty of room, because it looks best unpruned and on its own.

Watch out for

In Central Europe hot, dry summers are the main problem: in full sun and wind the leaf edges brown, the white margin of 'Variegata' scorches easily, and it copes badly with drought. It leafs out early, so a late spring frost can burn the new foliage. Waterlogged soil brings root rot, and stressed trees get leaf spot, anthracnose and canker. It is slow to get going and the tiered shape takes years of patience; prune only in summer or autumn, because it bleeds heavily in spring.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 2.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	3 m × 2.5 m
Ultimate size	6–14 m × 6–12 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–June, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	500 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €22

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €22

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Small ornamental trees Small trees for beside paths and paving Plants with autumn colour

Looks good next to it

Japanese pieris

Pieris japonica

Morrow’s sedge

Carex morrowii

Irish moss

Sagina subulata