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 HUF 19,000.
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.
| 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 HUF 19,000 |
Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.
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
|
|---|---|
| 80-100 cm | approx. HUF 19,000 |
Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made
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