BlueBell Arboretum & Nursery

Mail order trees, shrubs, conifers and woody climbers

Description

An unusual and desirable green-leaved garden tree with a striking, tiered habit and masses of creamy-white flower heads in May. The leaves are a vibrant, dark green in spring and summer before turning a rich, plum-purple in autumn before falling.

Cornus controversa 'Pagoda' is a little more vigorous then the variegated forms of wedding cake tree and more suitable for larger gardens. Once established, this plant has distinctive black bark with prominent lenticels.

Supplied Size: 3L containers (40 - 60 cm tall)

• Position: Full sun or light, dappled shade.
• Soil: Any fertile soil.
• Hardiness: Hardy
• Flowering Period: June.
• Rate of Growth: Vigorous.
• Habit: Small tree with a handsome tiered habit once established.
  • Height: up to 10 m (32 ft)
  • Spread: up to 8 m (26 ft)

• Pruning: After planting, look for a strongly growing stem developing after about two to four years, perhaps growing at an odd angle but obviously much more vigorous than the normal shoots. Train this stem vertically (usually up a thin bamboo cane or similar) to form the trunk and basis of the tiered structure.

• Some plants occasionally produce two or even three of these vigorous "leaders", in this case remove all but the most central one. Once established we find a new tier of branches develop every four years or so.

Plant Video

Plum purple autumn colour on the Cornus controversa 'Pagoda' in our woodland gardens (taken in October 2010).