A small to medium sized tree or multi-stemmed shrub with, spreading, tiered branches, from which Cornus controversa Variegata gets it's common name - the Wedding Cake Tree. Dark green, glossy leaves with bold, creamy white margins, turn red and purple in autumn. Sprays of frothy, small white flowers in May and June are followed by blue-black berries. In time this tree can get to 8m high and wide, and makes a superb focal point in a small or medium garden. Prefers a humus rich moist soil in full sun or partial shade, and holds a prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the RHS.