Intense Red Bark cuts for use in floral arrangements

‘Arctic Fire dogwood at Univ. of Tennessee Gardens in Knoxville

Red-twig or red osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) is a native shrub (USDA hardiness zones 2-7). It reaches 8 to 10 feet in height and roots sucker prolifically. It can become a chore keeping it contained in small garden spaces.

Arctic Fire™ is a superior cultivar identified by its fiery red stems and compact growth habit. Expect some minor suckering, but this cultivar is far less invasive than the species.

Arctic Fire grows 4-5 feet tall and wide. That’s almost less than half the height of other red osier shrub dogwoods.  Its stunning red branches are impossible to ignore! The crimson branches are particularly striking on a frosty or snow morning.

In spring flat headed creamy white flowers appear. Arctic Fire dogwood has dark green foliage through the growing season. The pointy foliage turns purple-tinged red in autumn. In mid- to late-summer clusters of creamy white flowers form on branch tips. White berries form in late summer and attract hungry birds.

Arctic Fire grows in average well-drained soil and in partial to full-day sunlight. It is an amazingly adaptable plant. Once established it will tolerate extremely dry soil and stand up to occasional standing water. It is highly tolerant of urban air pollution.

Best stem color appears on new growth. Prune back old stems hard immediately after spring flowering  to ensure an intense red twig bark display the following winter. Old branch wood that is three years and older should be removed at or near ground level. In early spring apply a slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote™ or Nutrikote™ specialized for trees and shrubs. Follow the label rate of application. Deer usually stay away from red osier dogwoods.

Utilize it as a perennial or shrub borders. Winter branches and spring flowers may be cut for flower arrangements.