Arctic Fire® Red Twig Dogwood - 3 Gallon

Transform your landscape with vibrant, year-round color and winter interest.

The Arctic Fire® Red Twig Dogwood is a deciduous shrub that delivers what other dogwoods can’t: brilliant scarlet stems in winter, paired with lush green foliage in spring and summer, and vibrant yellow foliage in fall. Upright, multi-stemmed, and densely branched, this dogwood provides striking structure and color during the dormant season when most shrubs are bare. Easy to grow, adaptable to a variety of soils, and tolerant of wet conditions, Arctic Fire® Red Twig Dogwood makes a stunning addition to hedges, borders, naturalized areas, or as a winter focal point in your garden.

Why You'll Love the Arctic Fire® Red Twig Dogwood

Winter Color: Scarlet red stems provide dramatic, year-round visual interest, especially in winter landscapes or snow-covered gardens.

Compact & Versatile: Upright, multi-stemmed growth reaching 5–7 feet tall, perfect for borders, hedges, mass plantings, or as a specimen shrub.

Low-Maintenance Beauty: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, tolerant of wet conditions, and resistant to common pests, requiring minimal care once established.

Seasonal Interest: Spring brings lush green foliage, summer adds texture, fall turns leaves to golden yellow, and winter stems provide striking color.

Arctic Fire® Red Twig Dogwood Details

• Botanical Name: Cornus sericea ‘Arctic Fire®’

• Type: Deciduous shrub

• Mature Size: 5–7 ft tall × 5–7 ft wide

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Light: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet or clay soils

• Water: Moderate; adaptable to wet soils

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–7

Growing Conditions

Soil Adaptability: Thrives in moist, well-draining soils, tolerates clay or occasionally wet conditions. Performs well in garden beds, borders, and naturalized areas.

Light Requirements: Full sun encourages the brightest red stems and strong seasonal foliage color; partial shade is tolerated but may reduce stem vibrancy.

Hardiness: Zones 3–7, making it suitable for northern and southern climates with cold winters.

Care Instructions

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during establishment. Once established, tolerant of occasional dry periods, but best in consistently damp soil.

Pruning: Cut back older stems in late winter to encourage vibrant new red growth in spring. Can be rejuvenated every 3–4 years by cutting older stems to the ground.

Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage and stem color.

Landscaping Uses

Versatile Applications: Arctic Fire® Red Twig Dogwood is perfect for:

• winter-interest hedges

• foundation plantings

• mass plantings for naturalized landscapes

• specimen planting for seasonal focal points

• erosion control along wet areas

Strategic Placement: Plant where the red winter stems are highly visible—near walkways, patios, or open garden beds for maximum seasonal impact. Its upright, multi-stemmed habit makes it ideal for creating contrast against evergreens or ornamental grasses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should I plant Arctic Fire® Red Twig Dogwood for a hedge?
Space plants 4–6 feet apart for a dense hedge or 5–7 feet apart for individual specimen planting.

When does Arctic Fire® Red Twig Dogwood show its signature red stems?
New growth emerges in late winter and remains vivid throughout the dormant season, providing striking winter color.

Is Arctic Fire® Red Twig Dogwood low-maintenance?
Yes, it is adaptable, pest-resistant, and requires minimal care once established, with occasional pruning to maintain stem vibrancy.

Can I grow Arctic Fire® Red Twig Dogwood in containers?
Yes, though it performs best in garden beds or naturalized areas where it can spread and display its upright, colorful stems.