Cornus controversa

Cornus controversa is called the wedding cake tree for good reason. The branches grow out in clearly tiered layers, giving the whole tree a dramatic architectural silhouette even when bare in winter.

Broad ovate green leaves line the horizontal branches, and in early summer flat clusters of small creamy-white flowers sit on top of each tier, adding to the cake effect. Small blue-black berries follow, much loved by birds. Autumn colour is a warm red-purple.

Eventually reaches around 10 to 15m tall with a wide spread, so it needs space to really show off the layered habit. Plant in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or light shade.

A proper specimen tree for a larger lawn or front garden where its architectural form can really speak.