Q.I bought a cornus controversa variegated four years ago and last year these green leaves appeared which I cut off, this year more
have come from the base of the plant. Do I have an intruder or is this normal before they turn variegated?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
What you have is a grafted tree. The rootstock is a standard, while the top, or scion, is a variegated cultivar.
You should keep those cut, as often as you see them. They are more vigorous than the scion, so they will take over and kill off the variegated portion, eventually.
Another thing worth mentioning is that this, mainly, happens when something is wrong with the scion. The variegated portion of your tree may be damaged, or have an infection. Although young trees need to be well-watered, they do not need to be overwatered. They do need a dry out between watering.
From here, I recommend a HANDFUL of DOLOMITIC LIME, and a TABLESPOON of WETTABLE SULFUR. This will kill off the infection. You can also use fungicides like this for the top.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/growing-giant-dogwood-tree.htm
