A quick google search turned up Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' as the plant you are likely after. What little I read indicated it can be fussy...as can be the case with variegated plants. The following link rates it to z4. It is a beautiful little tree and if I ever come across a nice one, would give it a try. I like to push zones, though.

As far as a source, Forest Farm has it. I've never ordered from them, but they are generally highly recommended. The plant will be small and is fairly expensive, for FF...though, not unreasonable. I wouldn't expect to find a plant like this cheap.

Should you decide against it, the native Cornus alternifolia is a fantastic small tree. Good and hardy, too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' - pdf file

Boy, I'm not so sure about this one, Whatcheer.

First, let me say that I am not a fan of variegated plants in general. Although it is mostly the look I dislike, as Josh indicated, they lack the vigor of the species because they simply have less chlorophyll to produce food for the plant.

Although many people get quite excited by seeing these plants in an ideal setting; that rarely translates into reality. In order for these plants to achieve any aesthetic potential, siting is crucial. It is imperative that you properly frame these plants with strong, dark background colors that accentuate the variegation. If you can remember (guessing here) the garden show probably had this tree in a darker, understory situation with dark green evergreens as a backdrop. The problem for us out here on the prairie is that we have an abundance of intense light. The effect of the variegation simply evaporates under these conditions. If you can provide the ideal setting -- fine. However, typically that is not the case in most parts of Iowa.

IronBelly

Thanks Ironbelly and Josh. I can't remember the name of the show, but the plant was at the Reiman Gardens in Ames. I'm going to order it with fingers crossed. I loved the tier affect. Of course the one at the Reiman was perfect. They stated that it was easy grown. Ames is z5 and I'm z4. That could make the difference. I'm like josh. I have pushed the 4-5 planting. I've been pretty successful.

Good luck! I think it will be worth it, if you succeed. Now you've got me thinking about where I could try one!!

whatcheer, thanks for sharing about the pogota at Reiman's. Our master gardener meetings are held there, so I'll have to take a look at it sometime!

BTW, did you know that Reiman's has a plant sale every May, open to the public? I've found many fabulous plants (and HEALTHY like you wouldn't believe!) for my gardens that haven't been available at other local sources.

Marilou

Just as an FYI... the correct common name is Pagoda dogwood, not pagota dogwood. The common name comes from the layered branching habit of this small tree and is said to remind people of the Pagoda temples seen in the Orient. You will have much better luck searching the Internet if you use the correct common name. Actually, I would use the Latin name for best results.

I have both of the variegated Pagoda dogwoods growing in my zone 4a garden, Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' (aka 'Variegata') and C. a. Golden Shadows (cultivar name is 'W Stackman') and neither has had any problem with the winters here. I am located on the northern edge of zone 4a, in Minneapolis, MN.

Golden Shadows is by far the superior plant. 'Argentea' has somewhat small, contorted leaves while the leaves of Golden Shadows is similar to the straight species plant. Golden Shadows leaves look much like a "tree hosta", in that there is a gold edge surrounding a green center. Both of my plants are on their own roots, but it is much more common to find these plants as grafted plants since C. alternifolia is fairly hard to root.

I purchased my 'Argentea' from Roslyn Nursery, which is on the East coast and I purchased Golden Shadows from Klehm's Song Sparrow Nursery in Wisconsin. Both were purchased via mail order.

I have ordered many, many times from Forest Farm and Song Sparrow I have been very, very satisfied. Order from wither Forest Farm and/or Song Sparrow with complete confidence.
Good luck,
Mike

Here is a link that might be useful: Klehm's Song Sparrow Nursery

Thanks for the first-hand insight on this...it is encouraging! Also good to know "Golden Shadows" is the one to look for.

Good information. Thanks, I hope to add this one.

Whatcheer, I just came across this post and if you are really interested in what they call the "wedding cake tree", that would be cornus controversa variegata. It is somewhat similar to cornus alternifolia argentea, but larger, more vigorous, and more strikingly layered. Everything about this tree is larger than the alternifolia, the leaves, flowers, ultimate size (it will grow to about 30'). I have 2 in my garden and love them. They have reddish bark, beautiful layering, interesting (although not striking) flowers. Unlike most variegated plants (including argentea) the wedding cake tree is vigorous. The only problem I have had is something eating the lower branches and thereby ruining the great layering effect somewhat. I have both deer (but this is in my front yard -- very hard to imagine a deer making it into my front yard) and groundhogs (but unless they jump, I can't see them reaching some of the eaten branches) so I am puzzled by that. Otherwise they both grow great, one in the partial shade of a beech and the other by large oaks.

My husband and I decide we must own a Cornus controversa variegata (wedding cake tree or variegated pagoda dogwood) after seeing this beautiful specimen from Gossler Nursery planted in Wallace Ruff Jr Park in Springfield, OR in Oct 2020. I am not a fan of variegated plants in general, but this tree against a dark background blew us away. Not Iowa, but wanted to share this photo for inspiration.

We just planted ours today and will be adding mulch soon. These rare trees are not cheap, so fingers crossed. Side notes: We purposely let the grass go brown/dormant this summer, but I think in the future the tree will look more striking surrounded by green grass. My husband says he likes the swoop in the stem and thinks it gives it character.