Growing Hydrangeas in Pots: Choosing Varieties, Planting and Care
Hydrangeas grow well in pots when the variety, container and compost are chosen with their eventual size and moisture needs in mind. Learn how to plant, water, feed and protect...
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Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’
Wedding Cake Tree
I hold the RHS | Award of Garden Merit
Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’, the wedding cake tree, is distinguished by strongly tiered horizontal branches clothed in green leaves broadly edged with cream. The foliage turns yellow in autumn, while flat clusters of cream flowers are followed by black berries. Its layered form makes this a particularly architectural specimen for a lawn or spacious border.
✅ Tiered branching creates a distinctive architectural outline
✅ Cream-margined leaves brighten the canopy
⚠️ Allow room for an eventual spread of several metres
Plant Details
Flowering Months
Size
- Max Height
- 4.0 m — 8.0 m
- Max Spread
- 4.0 m — 8.0 m
- Growth Habit
- Densely branched plant with compact, leafy, rounded overall shape.
Planting Position
- Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
- Full Sun Part Shade
- Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
- North South East West
- Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
- Exposed / Sheltered
- Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
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(−15 to −10 °C) Cold-hardy
Ideal Soil Conditions
- Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
- Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
- Moist but permeable / Free draining
- Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Plant Uses & Merits
- Uses
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- Architectural
- Merits
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- Generally pest-free
- Low Maintenance
- RHS | Award Of Garden Merit
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