Giant Dogwood, Wedding Cake Tree
Cornus controversa
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
420 inches
Width
420 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average to high
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
A large, deciduous tree known for its tiers of horizontal branches and large, white flowers. Notable for its layered branching habit, making it an excellent specimen tree.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location with partial shade to full sun for optimal growth.
- Prepare well-draining soil rich in organic matter, amend if necessary.
- Tuck young plants into the ground, ensuring roots are spread out.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around roots.
- Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Prune lightly in late winter to shape and remove dead branches.
Pro Tip
Plant in spring for best establishment and vibrant foliage display.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist 💧
- Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead wood ✂️
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize with a balanced shrub fertilizer in early spring
- Monitor for pests and diseases regularly
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late summer or fall, as it can affect next year’s growth
- Refrain from planting in poorly drained areas
- Don’t ignore signs of pests or diseases
- Avoid heavy fertilization that can promote weak growth
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Giant Dogwood, Wedding Cake Tree questions
What zones can Giant Dogwood, Wedding Cake Tree grow in?
Giant Dogwood, Wedding Cake Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Giant Dogwood, Wedding Cake Tree deer resistant?
Yes — Giant Dogwood, Wedding Cake Tree is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Giant Dogwood, Wedding Cake Tree bloom?
Giant Dogwood, Wedding Cake Tree typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Giant Dogwood, Wedding Cake Tree need full sun?
Giant Dogwood, Wedding Cake Tree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Cornus to compare
Red Twig Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Red Twig'
Arctic Fire Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Arctic Fire'
Kousa Dogwood
Cornus kousa
Midwinter Fire Dogwood
Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'
Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'
Golden Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Golden Dogwood'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Giant Dogwood, Wedding Cake Tree with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
