Cornus sericea Arctic Fire® Red (Redtwig Dogwood)

Cornus sericea Arctic Fire is a dwarf cultivar of red-twig dogwood known for its vibrant, red stems that add a burst of color to winter landscapes. It is a deciduous shrub with multi-season appeal, from its white spring flowers to its lush summer foliage and finally, its brilliant stem color in winter.

Cornus sericea Arctic Fire: An In-depth Look

Native: This particular cultivar is derived from Cornus sericea, which is native to North America and can often be found in wetland areas like marshes and along riverbanks. However, it can also be grown in home landscapes for ornamental purposes.

Plant Type and Habit: It is a deciduous shrub that forms a dense, multi-stemmed clump. The branches grow upright, but with age, they may arch slightly.

Size: Cornus Arctic Fire generally reaches a height and spread of 3-5 feet (90-150 cm)

Flowers: Arctic Fire blooms with clusters of small white flowers during late spring and early summer. These flowers are quite showy against the backdrop of its green foliage.

Foliage: Its leaves are medium to dark green during the spring and summer months. In the fall, the foliage turns an attractive shade of purple before dropping.

Hardiness: Arctic Fire is known for its cold hardiness and is generally suitable for USDA zones 3-7.

Uses: Thanks to its vibrant winter stem color, Arctic Fire is popular in winter gardens. Its compact size makes it great for borders, foundation plantings, or as a focal point in a mixed shrub border.

 Wildlife: The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while the berries that follow the blooms are eaten by birds. Its dense branching provides good cover for small animals.

Deer and Rabbits: Cornus Arctic Fire is generally considered to be deer-resistant, although it may be browsed upon if food is scarce. Rabbits may also nibble on the lower stems, but the plant usually recovers well.

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

Invasiveness: Cornus Arctic Fire is not considered invasive, especially compared to some other Cornus species. It is a more compact variety and does not tend to spread aggressively.

Benefits: Aside from its aesthetic qualities, Cornus Arctic Fire is beneficial for wildlife habitats and soil stabilization. Its root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it a good choice for sloping landscapes and areas near water.

How to Grow and Care for Redtwig Dogwood

Light: Prefers full sun to part shade for more vibrant stem color.

Soil: Tolerant of various soils; best in well-draining, organic-rich soil.

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

Fertilizer: Optional; apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring. Avoid over-fertilizing.

Pruning: Annually remove a third of the oldest stems in spring to maintain vibrant color. It can be hard-pruned every few years.

Propagation: Propagate through hardwood or softwood cuttings. Also suckers naturally; these can be transplanted.

Pests and Diseases: Generally resilient; watch for dogwood sawfly, dogwood borer, and scale. Potential diseases include leaf spot and root rot; treat as needed.

By following these guidelines, Cornus sericea can add vibrant color and textural interest to your landscape, even during the winter months.