BlueBell Nursery - Trees & Shrubs - Cornus - Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea..(four to five years old)'
Cornusalternifolia 'Argentea..(four to five years old)' Variegated American Wedding Cake Tree
We're sorry, this plant is currently out of stock! New specimens will be available later in the year. Please email us at sales@bluebellnursery.com or telephone us on (01530) 413700 to order in advance.
Available autumn/winter 2012
Description
Older and larger specimens of the above Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea', four to five years old and standing at 50 - 60 cm tall.
A superb, unusual large shrub with silver variegated leaves and a striking, tabulated habit. In summer, pretty clusters of white flowers appear, sitting on the upper surface of the tiered branches and contrasting beautifully with the variegated leaves.
The unique shape only becomes apparent after several years growth. A stunning, architectural garden plant!
Supplied Size: rootballed plants (80 - 100 cm tall)
Features
Common name: Variegated American Wedding Cake Tree.
Position: Full sun.
Soil: Fertile soil.
Hardiness: Hardy
Flowering Period: June.
Flower Colour: White
Rate of Growth: Slow to moderate.
Habit: Large shrub with a handsome tiered shape once established.
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 2.5 m. (8 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
The Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' in our woodland gardens (taken in September 2010).