Arctic Fire® Red Dogwood Bush

Arctic Fire® Red Dogwood shines as a beacon of vibrant red, especially under the winter sun. This dwarf variant, native to North America, presents a compact stature, making it a more manageable alternative to the conventional large red-twig dogwoods. Its size offers a unique advantage for smaller gardens and residential spaces, allowing for dramatic aesthetics without overwhelming the landscape.

What sets the Arctic Fire Red dogwood apart is its adaptability. It's not only one of the most shade-tolerant ornamental shrubs but also thrives across a spectrum of soil conditions. Its signature bright red stems are most vivid on one to two-year-old stems, while older stems adopt a corkier brown texture. To ensure a consistent vibrant display, pruning in early spring is recommended, either by cutting the entire plant back every other year or removing one-third of the oldest stems annually.

Spring also ushers in small, charming white flowers, complementing the dark green foliage that stays attractive throughout the growing season. As autumn sets in, the foliage transforms, revealing the fiery red stems that define its name. This dogwood appreciates a range from partial shade to full sun, and while it's tolerant of various soil types, it has a preference for moist environments.

Whether you're looking to enliven your winter landscape, craft a striking centerpiece for a container, or simply add a versatile, year-round beauty to your garden, the Arctic Fire Red dogwood emerges as a prime choice, blending hardiness with visual allure.

Arctic Fire® Red Cornus stolonifera 'Farrow' USPP 18,523

Planting Instructions:

• - Best planted in early spring or fall to establish roots before extreme weather
• - Space plants 3-6 feet apart, depending on the variety and desired growth habit

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.0, slightly acidic to neutral
• - Prefers moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; tolerates clay or sandy soils

Watering Specifics:

• - Water deeply and consistently during the first growing season to establish roots
• - Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; drought-tolerant once established

Fertilizer Type:

• - Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth
• - Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to weak stems

Pruning and Training:

• - Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches
• - For colorful stems (e.g., red or yellow varieties), remove older stems every few years to encourage new, vibrant growth

Additional Pest Management:

• - Generally pest-resistant but monitor for leaf spot, powdery mildew, or scale insects
• - Ensure good air circulation and proper watering to minimize fungal diseases

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, depending on the species
• - Tolerates cold winters and moderate heat; mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots in extreme conditions