Cornus controversa 'Variegata' 40-50CM

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Full sun will enhance the creamy variegation, but light shade can protect leaves from scorch in very hot or windy locations.

• Soil Preferences: Thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Avoid extremely dry or waterlogged conditions.

• pH Range: Grows well in slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.5–7.0).

• Moisture Needs: Requires consistent moisture, especially in the first few years after planting, but should not sit in standing water.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or autumn to allow root systems to establish before summer heat or winter frost.

• Spacing: Space at least 4–6 metres from other trees or large shrubs to allow its tiered branches to develop fully.

• Positioning Tips: Ideal as a specimen tree in lawns, large borders, or woodland-style gardens where its unique layered form can be appreciated from a distance.

• Shelter Needs: Provide shelter from strong winds to protect young growth and delicate variegated foliage.

• Container Growing: Not generally suitable for long-term container growth due to its eventual size.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first 2–3 years to encourage deep rooting.

  • In dry spells, water deeply once a week rather than frequent light watering.

  • Mulching helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning required—best done in late winter or early spring while dormant.

  • Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.

  • Avoid heavy pruning, as this can spoil the natural tiered shape.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–8 cm mulch layer of organic material around the base in spring, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally healthy, but may occasionally suffer from aphids, leaf spot, or powdery mildew—address early if problems occur.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy in most of the UK and Ireland. Young trees benefit from protection in very exposed sites until established.

• Weed Control: Keep the base free from competing weeds and grass to ensure good root development.

Ornamental Features, Seasonal Interest, and Garden Uses

• Foliage: Large, oval leaves with striking creamy-white margins and green centres; variegation remains attractive throughout the growing season.

• Flowers: Flat clusters of small, creamy-white flowers in early summer, lightly scented and attractive to pollinators.

• Berries: Small black fruits follow the flowers, loved by birds.

• Form: Distinctive, horizontal tiered branches that create a “wedding cake” effect—particularly striking in winter without leaves.

• Growth Rate and Size: Slow to moderate grower; reaches around 6–8 metres high with a spread of 5–6 metres over many years.

• Wildlife Benefits: Provides nectar for bees and butterflies, and berries for birds in late summer.

• Ornamental Value: Highly decorative structure and foliage make it a true statement tree for larger gardens.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Specimen planting for lawns and open spaces.

  • Woodland gardens for structure and seasonal colour.

  • Mixed borders as a focal point among other shrubs and trees.

• Seasonal Appeal: Variegated leaves in spring/summer, flowers and berries in summer, and architectural branch structure in winter.

• Longevity: A long-lived ornamental tree that improves with age, developing a more defined layered appearance over time.

• Size
  40-50CM C4

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.