Maintenance Landscaping Design

Cornus controversa variegata is a beautiful, variegated plant that is perfect for adding a splash of color to any garden. This easy-to-grow plant is perfect for beginners, as it is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. cornus controversa variegata can reach up to 6 feet tall and wide, and its branches are adorned with creamy-white flowers in the spring. In the fall, the leaves of this plant turn a stunning shade of red, providing color in the garden long after other plants have faded.

Popular name

• Variegated Wedding Cake Tree
  
• Variegated Japanese Cornel
  
• Variegated Dogwood
  
• Variegated Bunchberry
  
• Variegated Mountain Cornus

Good to Know

• Cornus controversa variegata is a deciduous shrub that is native to China.
  
• It grows to an average height of 6-8 feet and has a spread of 4-6 feet.
  
• The leaves are ovate to oblong in shape and are 4-8 inches long and 2-4 inches wide. They are dark green in color with white margins. The leaf surfaces are smooth with a glossy sheen.
  
• The flowers are borne in clusters of 3-5 and are white in color. They bloom in early summer.
  
• The fruit is a small, globose, red drupe that ripens in late summer.
  
• The shrub is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
  
• It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and prefers full sun to partial shade.
  
• It is deer resistant and does not attract many pests or diseases.
  
• It is relatively easy to care for and does not require much pruning.
  
• It can be propagated from seed or cuttings.

Related plant:
Cornus Sericea Flaviramea

Growing Steps

1. For cornus controversa variegata, first step is to find a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil.
   
2. Then, create a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball of your plant.
   
3. After that, mix in some compost or organic matter into the soil that you have removed from the hole.
   
4. Now, it is time to plant your cornus controversa variegata. Gently loosen the roots and place the plant into the hole.
   
5. Fill in the hole with the soil, and tamp it down gently.
   
6. Next, water your plant deeply.
   
7. Once the plant is established, you can fertilize it once a month during the growing season.
   
8. To encourage bushier growth, you can prune cornus controversa variegata in late winter or early spring.
   
9. Since this plant can get large, you may need to provide some support, such as staking, to prevent it from flopping over.
   
10. Finally, enjoy the beautiful variegated leaves and white flowers of your cornus controversa variegata!

Related plant:
Cornus Kousa Chinensis

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Cornus controversa variegata prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils. It also does well in average, clay or sandy soils as long as it is not allowed to dry out. This shrub is not particular about soil pH, but it does best in moist, acidic conditions.

Light requirement

Like the other Variegated Dogwoods, the Cornus Controversa Variegata thrives in bright sunny areas but can also tolerate shadier spots. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil but once established, it is quite drought tolerant. This plant is perfect for adding interest and color to any garden.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for cornus controversa variegata is cool to warm. This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is not tolerant of full shade or hot, humid conditions. Cornus controversy variegata is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to 8-10’ (infrequently to 15’) tall with a similar spread. It is noted for its variegated leaves and its showy, conical inflorescences of white flowers. Each flower blooms in spring before the foliage emerges.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50% RH. The plant can tolerate lower humidity for short periods of time, but will start to experience leaf drop if the humidity remains low for an extended period of time. The variegated leaves of this plant are particularly sensitive to low humidity and will begin to brown and curl if the air is too dry. If you live in an area with low humidity, it's important to provide extra humidity for your plant through regular misting or by setting the pot on a tray of pebbles and water.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this family of plant prefers low nitrogen and high potassium. For the root, it is important to note that the tree does not have a large tap root and is instead rather shallow-rooted.

Light requirement

Pruning is a vital part of keeping your Cornus controversa variegata healthy and happy. Some basic tips on pruning your Cornus include: prune in late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant; cut back any dead or overgrown branches; and thin out the plant to allow more light and air to reach the inner branches.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of this variegated form is by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from new growth and will root readily in a humid atmosphere with bottom heat.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to medium. In the wild, the plant can grow up to 6 feet (2 meters) high. However, when cultivated, the plant typically reaches a height of 3-4 feet (1-1.2 meters). The leaves of the plant are dark green in color with white or cream-colored variegation. The flowers of the plant are small and insignificant.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. Leaf spot is caused by a fungus and can be a serious problem if not treated early. Powdery mildew is also caused by a fungus and can cause the leaves to become covered in a white powder. Root rot is caused by a bacteria and can kill the plant.

Basics of Growing

• Do not forget to water your cornus controversa variegata plant, especially during the summer months.
  
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  
• Fertilize your plant regularly using a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it looking neat and tidy.
  
• cornus controversa variegata plants are generally disease resistant, but watch out for powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
  
• Cornus plants are generally deer resistant, but they may still browse on young shoots and leaves.
  
• Be sure to plant your cornus controversa variegata in an area with full sun to partial shade.
  
• This plant does best in moist, well-drained soil.
  
• cornus controversa variegata plants are generally hardy in zones 5-
  

Substitution

• Cornus alba 'Variegata' tulip tree
  
• Cornus angustata
  
• Cornus capitata
  
• Cornus controversa 'Variegata' controversy dogwood
  
• Cornus disciflora
  
• Cornus florida white dogwood
  
• Cornus florida florida dogwood
  
• Cornus florida 'Rubra' rubra
  
• Cornus florida 'White Cloud' white cloud
  
• Cornus nuttallii Nuttall's
  

Source:
Giant Dogwood - Cornus controversa 'Variegata' - PNW Plants
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Cornus controversa 'Variegata'
Cornus controversa - University of Florida