Common Name: Arctic Fire Dogwood
Family: Cornaceae
Plant Type: Deciduous Shrub
Hardiness Zones: 3–7
Height: 3.0 to 5.0 feet
Spread: 3.0 to 5.0 feet
Bloom Time: Late spring (flowers), winter interest (stems)
Bloom Description: Small white clusters
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Water Needs: Medium
Soil Preference: Moist, well-drained to occasionally wet soils; tolerates clay
Management Level: Low to Moderate
Suggested Use: Winter interest, borders, rain gardens, naturalized areas
Attracts: Birds, pollinators
Tolerates: Erosion, wet soil, urban conditions
Notable Features: Striking red stems in winter, compact size, native cultivar
Nebraska Growing Notes:
‘Arctic Fire’ is a compact cultivar of native red twig dogwood (Cornus stolonifera, synonym Cornus sericea) ideal for Nebraska landscapes seeking winter color and four-season appeal. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts well to clay-heavy or occasionally wet soils, making it a good candidate for rain gardens, swales, and naturalized borders.
In spring, clusters of small white flowers give way to white berries that attract birds. The standout feature is its vivid red stems, which brighten up snowy Nebraska winters and provide stunning contrast in dormant-season gardens.
Landscape Use:
Perfect for foundation plantings, shrub borders, erosion control on slopes, or as a winter-interest focal point. Pairs well with evergreens, ornamental grasses, or snow-covered backdrops. Suitable for both formal designs and naturalized native gardens.
Caution:
To maintain vibrant stem color, prune 1/3 of the oldest stems to the ground each spring. This encourages new growth, which displays the brightest red color. Avoid prolonged dry conditions, especially in the first few years of establishment.
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