Cornus controversa Marginata Nord - Giant Dogwood

The Cornus controversa Marginata Nord is a Pagoda Dogwood closely related to the wild species, but distinguished by the fine white margin that adorns the edges of its green leaves. Its tiered branch growth gives it the characteristic and appreciated silhouette among this group of large shrubs. In mid-spring, a multitude of cream-white inflorescences appear, covering the foliage. These then develop into small blue-black fruits in late summer, while in autumn, the foliage takes on warm colours. A superb shrub to be isolated on a lawn or to serve as an attractive focal point in a planting bed, in cool, neutral to acidic soil.

The Dogwood belongs to the small family of Cornaceae, which, after several revisions of the botanical classification, now only includes the genera Cornus and Alangium. There are several dozen species of Dogwoods, most of which are shrubs, but in its natural habitat, the Cornus controversa, native to China, Korea, and Japan, forms a tree that can reach up to 12 m in height. It has a straight trunk and horizontal tiered growth, and it is the only species - along with C. alternifolia - that has alternate leaves, rather than opposite. In Japan, it can be found up to 2600 m in altitude, which demonstrates its good hardiness.
Marginata Nord is a selection that presents most of the characteristics of the botanical species, but with more limited dimensions. In 10 years of growth, it will reach approximately 4 m in height and width, and will continue to grow to 5 to 7 m in all directions, depending on the climate and soil. This beautiful shrub develops equally in width and height, especially as it ages, as it produces branches that spread further and further from the trunk, almost horizontally. It becomes increasingly ornamental as it ages, with its almost geometric shape being remarkable during the growing season, and equally enjoyable after the leaves have fallen.
The leaves are elliptical with a pointed tip, about ten centimetres long and 4 cm wide. Their green colour is enhanced by a fine, irregular white border, with occasional indentations towards the inside of the leaf blade. Carried by a flexible petiole, they often lightly droop on either side of the branches. In May-June, large inflorescences form, measuring 10 to 12 cm in diameter, composed of numerous small cream-white flowers. Slightly rounded in the centre, these inflorescences cover the foliage like small clusters of snow, creating a magnificent spectacle. When they fade, the flowers transform into small fruits that are quite decorative in August, with their dark colour in shades of blue-black. Ornamental throughout the season with its white margin, the foliage still offers a beautiful display in autumn with red, purple, or orange colourations.

This Pagoda Dogwood deserves to be planted as a solitary specimen on a lawn, provided that a little patience is exercised, as it will take a few years to fully develop its shape. It can also be planted in association within a planting bed, in the background, ensuring that enough space is left for its development. Its abundant white flowering will harmonise with the vibrant colours of many flowering shrubs such as Chinese Azaleas, which will reward you with their bright trumpets in yellow, pink, orange, red... On the border, plant perennials such as Astilbe japonica Red Sentinel, with its dark green, serrated foliage and its scarlet-red panicles that will extend the flowering period of your scene into early summer. And for even later blooms, rely on Hydrangeas, whose wide range will offer you limitless variety of foliage and flowering.