If you are searching for the perfect tree to add to your garden or landscape, you may have come across the name “Wedding Tree.” The name alone can evoke visions of romantic outdoor weddings, but is there really a tree called the Wedding Tree?
The short answer is yes. The wedding tree, also commonly known as the variegated giant dogwood or wedding cake tree, is a beautiful type of flowering tree that makes a lovely addition to any garden or backyard. In this blog post, we will explore more about the wedding tree and what makes it so special.
Appearance and Characteristics of the Wedding Tree
The wedding tree (Cornus controversa) is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall and wide. It is native to China, Korea, and Japan, but is now widely grown in the United States and other parts of the world.
One of the most striking features of the wedding tree is its variegated leaves. The leaves are green with wide margins of pure white that extend to the edge of the leaf. This gives the tree a unique and elegant appearance. The leaves also turn a beautiful shade of red in the fall.
In addition to its beautiful foliage, the wedding tree produces clusters of small white flowers in the spring. The flowers are followed by small blue-black berries that are a favorite of birds.
Overall, the wedding tree makes a stunning and memorable addition to any outdoor space. It is often grown as a specimen tree, either in a backyard or a park.
Symbolic Meaning of the Wedding Tree
The wedding tree is often associated with weddings and romance because of its name. But the tree has also acquired a deeper symbolic meaning over time.
In some cultures, the wedding tree is seen as a symbol of long life, prosperity, and good fortune. This is because the tree is known for its longevity and hardiness. It can live for up to 100 years and can withstand harsh conditions such as drought, heat, and cold.
In other cultures, the wedding tree is seen as a symbol of strength, endurance, and resilience. This is because the tree has a strong and sturdy trunk that can withstand strong winds and storms.
For some people, planting a wedding tree in their yard is seen as a way to commemorate a special occasion such as a wedding or anniversary. It is also a way to honor loved ones who have passed away by creating a living memorial.
Caring for the Wedding Tree
The wedding tree is a relatively low-maintenance tree that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for the wedding tree:
– Plant the tree in a location that gets full to partial sun. The tree can also tolerate some shade, but it will produce fewer flowers and fruit.
– The wedding tree prefers moist, well-drained soil. Avoid planting the tree in soggy or waterlogged soil.
– Water the tree regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
– Fertilize the tree in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
– Prune the tree in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a beautiful and symbolic tree to add to your garden or landscape, the wedding tree is definitely worth considering. With its stunning variegated leaves, clusters of white flowers, and long lifespan, it is a tree that will bring joy and beauty to your outdoor space for many years to come.
FAQ
How tall is the Cornus controversa?
Cornus controversa, commonly known as the giant dogwood or wedding cake tree, is a small deciduous tree that belongs to the family Cornaceae. It is native to East Asia, particularly to Japan and Korea, where it grows in the wild in mountainous areas.
The most distinctive feature of the Cornus controversa is its horizontal branching pattern, which gives it a layered appearance. It has thick, glossy green leaves that turn yellow in autumn before they drop off. The flowers are creamy white and bloom in late spring or early summer, followed by black berries that birds find appealing.
In its natural surroundings, the Cornus controversa can attain a height of up to 15 meters, with a spread that can be as wide as it is tall. However, in urban settings, the tree is often smaller, perhaps reaching only 6 to 8 meters tall. It is a slow-growing tree that prefers well-drained soil and a position in full sun or partial shade.
The Cornus controversa is a small tree that grows in layers with a horizontal branching pattern. In the wild, it can reach a height of up to 15 meters, but in urban areas, it is often smaller. Nonetheless, it adds beauty and interest to any landscape with its distinctive appearance and attractive blooms.
What is the common name for Cornus controversa variegata?
Cornus controversa variegata is a type of dogwood tree that is often grown for its variegated foliage. This variety of dogwood is commonly known as the wedding cake tree due to its striking, tiered branching pattern that resembles the layers of a wedding cake.
The tree can grow up to 35-40 feet tall, sometimes even up to 60 feet, with a rounded shape. Its distinctive branching pattern sets it apart from other types of dogwood trees, as the branches grow in horizontal tiers that are evenly spaced. This creates a unique layered effect that is especially striking when the tree is in bloom.
In addition to its striking appearance, Cornus controversa variegata is also prized for its variegated foliage. The leaves are green with creamy-white edges, providing a bright and eye-catching contrast. This variegation adds a year-round interest to the tree, even when it is not in bloom.
Cornus controversa variegata, or the wedding cake tree, is an attractive and unique variety of dogwood tree that is well-suited to many different types of landscape designs. Its striking tiered branching pattern and variegated foliage make it an excellent choice for creating a focal point in a garden, or for adding visual interest to a mixed border or woodland planting.
How tall does Cornus dogwood get?
Cornus is a genus of plants commonly known as dogwoods, which are deciduous shrubs or trees that grow in many regions around the world. One of the most popular species of dogwood is the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), which is native to eastern North America.
Flowering dogwoods can grow to a height of 35 to 40 feet (10 to 12 m) and a width of 25 to 30 feet (7.6 to 9.1 m), depending on climate and soil conditions. They tend to have a slow to moderate growth rate, and it can take several years for them to reach their full height.
The flowering dogwood has an interesting growth habit. It is a shrub or small, low-branched tree that usually has a flat-topped crown, which makes it an attractive feature in landscapes and gardens. The oval or ovate leaves of the flowering dogwood are about 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) long and 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) wide, and they turn a bright red color in the fall.
Aside from the flowering dogwood, there are other species of dogwoods that have different growth habits. For instance, the kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) is a small, deciduous tree that grows up to 30 feet (9.1 m) tall and has a spread of 20 to 30 feet (6.1 to 9.1 m). The Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 80 feet (24 m) tall and has a spread of 20 to 40 feet (6.1 to 12.2 m).
The height of Cornus dogwood varies depending on the species. Flowering dogwoods can grow up to 35 to 40 feet (10 to 12 m), while other species such as the kousa dogwood and Pacific dogwood have a different growth habit and can reach taller heights.
What is the size of an orange jubilee tree?
Orange Jubilee is a popular ornamental shrub that is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is a hybrid plant, which means that it is a combination of two different species of plants. The scientific name of this plant is Tecoma x ‘Orange Jubilee.’ Orange Jubilee is known for its striking orange flowers, which bloom in clusters from spring to fall.
When it comes to the size of Orange Jubilee, it is an upright shrub that can grow up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet across if not frozen back for a couple of winters. This growth habit makes Orange Jubilee an excellent choice for creating hedges or screens, as it provides great coverage and privacy. Additionally, the rich green, lush-looking foliage that this plant possesses gives it a subtropical appearance, making it an excellent choice for landscaping in warmer regions.
The compound leaves of Orange Jubilee are about 6 inches long by 4 inches wide and are divided into 9 to 11 leaflets. These leaflets are oblong to elliptical in shape and are arranged in an opposite pattern on the stem. The leaves add to the lush and tropical look of the plant.
Orange Jubilee is an excellent choice for those looking to add some color and privacy to their landscaping with its impressive size and striking orange flower clusters. However, it must be noted that the size of the plant can be influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and soil conditions, leading to variations in size from one plant to another.
What is the height of Cornus kousa?
Cornus kousa, also known as the Kousa dogwood, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that belongs to the family Cornaceae. This tree is native to Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and China. The kousa dogwood is known for its stunning beauty and has become a popular ornamental tree in many parts of the world over the years.
When it comes to the height of Cornus kousa, on average, it grows to a height of 15-25 feet at maturity. However, some may grow taller and reach a maximum height of 30 feet under optimal growing conditions. The Kousa dogwood is famous for its vase-like shape, which adds to its beauty, making it a perfect choice for landscaping in gardens and parks.
The spread of Cornus kousa at maturity is around 25 feet, thus making it a medium-sized tree species that requires enough space to spread its canopy. The tree has a single trunk that grows straight and then branches out near the top. The branches are slender, and as they grow, they take on a horizontal or slightly arching shape.
In terms of its growth rate, Kousa dogwood is considered a slow-growing tree. It gains about 1-2 feet of height per year, making it easy to maintain at a reasonable height for a long time. Generally, it takes around 10-15 years for a Kousa dogwood tree to reach its full height, after which it will maintain that size for many years.
To summarize, the height of Cornus kousa on average is 15-25 feet. It has a maximum height of 30 feet, slow growth rate, and a spread of around 25 feet at maturity. The Kousa dogwood tree’s size and shape make it perfect for landscaping in gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces, as it can add immense beauty and charm to any landscape.
