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Cornus sanguinea Arctic Sun® (Bloodtwig Dogwood)

Bloodtwig Dogwood 'Cato', European Dogwood 'Cato', Dogwood 'Cato'

ornus Sanguinea Arctic Sun, Arctic Sun Bloodtwig Dogwood , Arctic Sun European Dogwood , Arctic Sun Dogwood, Deciduous Shrubs, Foliage, Fall color, Winter color, Red bark, Orange Bark

Cornus sanguinea ‘Cato’, commonly known as Arctic Sun Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub renowned for its stunning yellow to coral-orange stems, providing visual interest, particularly during winter when the leaves have fallen off.

Cornus sanguinea Arctic Sun: An In-depth Look

Native: This cultivar is a variant of Cornus sanguinea, which is native to Europe and Western Asia.

Plant Type and Habit: It’s a deciduous shrub with a compact, bushy growth habit. The plant is known for its multi-stemmed architecture.

Size: Arctic Sun generally reaches a height and spread of 3-4 feet (90-120 cm), making it more compact than some other dogwood varieties

Flowers: The shrub produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer, offering a brief but delightful show.

Foliage: The leaves are ovate and green during the growing season and turn golden yellow in the fall, enhancing its multi-season appeal.

Hardiness: It’s hardy in USDA zones 4 through 7, capable of withstanding winter temperatures and variable growing conditions.

Uses: Arctic Sun is popular in landscape design for its winter interest. It is commonly used in borders, as specimen plants or informal hedge, and in mass plantings. It can also be used for erosion control on banks and slopes.

 Wildlife: The flowers attract pollinators like butterflies, while the berries can be a food source for birds.

Deer and Rabbits: While not completely deer-resistant, Arctic Sun is less palatable to deer than other plants. Rabbits may also nibble on the stems, but less so than on other garden plants.

Toxicity: The plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets, although ingestion of large quantities is not recommended.

Invasiveness: Cornus Arctic Sun is not considered invasive. It is a more compact variety and does not tend to spread aggressively.

Benefits: The multi-season interest — colorful stems in winter, flowers in spring, and attractive foliage in summer and fall — make Arctic Sun an all-round performer in the garden. Its relatively compact size also makes it versatile for smaller spaces.

How to Grow and Care for Bloodtwig Dogwood

Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade; brighter light enhances stem color.

Soil: Adaptable to a variety of soil types but prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil.

Water: Keep soil consistently moist, especially for newly planted shrubs.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilization to prevent leggy growth.

Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring, removing about a third of the oldest stems to encourage new growth and vibrant stem color.

Propagation: Can be propagated through hardwood cuttings in winter or softwood cuttings in summer.

Pests and Diseases: Generally resilient; susceptible to dogwood sawfly and scale. Potential diseases include leaf spot, canker, and root rot; monitor and treat as needed.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your Cornus sanguinea maintains its striking appearance and health, becoming a focal point in your garden especially during the winter months.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Cornaceae
Genus Cornus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 48" - 60"
(120cm - 150cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cornus alternifolia Golden Shadows, Alternateleaf Dogwood Golden Shadows, Alternate-leaf Dogwood Golden Shadows, Pagoda Dogwood Golden Shadows, Swida alternifolia Golden Shadows, Variegated Dogwood
Cornus Sanguinea Winter Flame, Winter Flame Bloodtwig Dogwood , Winter Flame European Dogwood , Winter Flame Dogwood, Deciduous Shrubs, Foliage, Fall color, Winter color, Red bark, Orange Bark
Cornus Sericea Arctic Fire, Arctic Fire Redtwig Dogwood, Dogwood, Cornus 'Kelsey Dwarf', Cornus sericea 'Farrow', Cornus stolonifera 'Farrow', Red Twigs, Red Stems
Appalachian Spring dogwood, Cornus florida Appalachian Spring, Flowering Dogwood Appalachian Spring
Cornus florida 'Cherokee Sunset', Flowering Dogwood 'Cherokee Sunset', Cherokee Sunset Flowering Dogwood, Variegated Flowering Dogwood, Variegated Dogwood, Fall color, Winter color, shrub with berries, Flowering tree, red fruits
Cornus Alba Creme de Mint, Tatarian Dogwood Creme de Mint, Red-Barked Dogwood Creme de Mint, Siberian Dogwood Creme de Mint, Deciduous Shrubs, Yellow Twigs, Fall color, Winter color, shrub with berries

Recommended Companion Plants

Hakonechloa Macra Aureola, Hakone Grass 'Aureola', Japanese Forest Grass 'Aureola', Shade grasses, Aureola Grass, part shade grass, full shade grass, Japanese grass, Golden Japanese Forest GrassAGM Award
Aster Novae-Angliae 'September Ruby', New England Aster 'September Ruby', Michaelmas Daisy 'September Ruby', Symphyotrichum Novae-Angliae 'September Ruby', Aster 'September Ruby',New England Aster 'Septemberrubin', Michaelmas Daisy 'Septemberrubin', Symphyotrichum Novae-Angliae 'Septemberrubin'
Aster Amellus 'Violet Queen', Italian Aster 'Violet Queen', Italian Starwort 'Violet Queen', Michaelmas Daisy 'Violet Queen', Fall Aster 'Violet Queen', Fall perennials, Fall Flowers, Aster Violet Queen, Italian Aster 'Veilchenkönigin', Italian Starwort 'Veilchenkönigin', Michaelmas Daisy 'Veilchenkönigin', Fall Aster 'Veilchenkönigin', Purple flowers,AGM Award
Erica Carnea 'Myretoun Ruby', Winter Heath 'Myretoun Ruby', Heather 'Myretoun Ruby', Snow Heath 'Myretoun Ruby', Spring Heath 'Myretoun Ruby', Alpine Heath 'Myretoun Ruby'AGM Award
Miscanthus Sinensis 'Morning Light', Maiden Grass 'Morning Light', Eulalia 'Morning Light', Chinese Silver Grass 'Morning Light', Japanese Silver Grass 'Morning Light', Drought tolerant plant, Ornamental grass Morning Light, Low maintenance ornamental graAGM Award
Sedum Autumn Joy, Sedum telephium 'Autumn Joy', Sedum 'Autumn Joy', Stonecrop 'Herbstfreude', Sedum 'Autumn Joy', Hylotelephium Spectabile 'Indian Chief', Sedum Spectabile 'Autumn Joy', Sedum Spectabile 'Herbstfreude', Sedum Spectabile 'Indian Chief', SedAGM Award
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Cornaceae
Genus Cornus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 48" - 60"
(120cm - 150cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Learn Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Cornus
Guides with
Cornus
Not sure which Cornus to pick?
Compare Now

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