Arctic Fire® Red Twig Dogwood - 3 Gallon

Arctic Fire Red Twig Dogwood - Winter Interest Stems Compact Native Shrub | 3-4 ft, Single Plant

Create stunning four-season interest with brilliant red winter stems that glow against snow and provide year-round wildlife habitat. The Arctic Fire Red Twig Dogwood is a compact, fast-growing native shrub that delivers exceptional winter color with vibrant red stems and attractive seasonal foliage changes. This exceptional winter interest plant has become a landscape designer's favorite for adding dramatic color during dormant months while supporting native wildlife populations. With its brilliant coral-red winter stems and compact 3-4 foot mature size compared to larger dogwood varieties, the Arctic Fire Red Twig Dogwood transforms winter landscapes into striking seasonal displays. The dense branching habit and manageable size create perfect foundation plantings and winter focal points while providing spring flowers, summer berries, and fall foliage color. Unlike larger red twig dogwoods that can overwhelm small spaces, these compact native shrubs provide all the winter stem color and wildlife benefits that actually intensify with proper annual pruning and maintenance.

Why You'll Love the Arctic Fire Red Twig Dogwood

Brilliant Winter Stem Color: Vibrant coral-red to bright red stems provide stunning winter interest against snow and evergreen backgrounds, making this the perfect choice for creating dramatic seasonal contrast when most landscapes lack color.

Compact Native Performance: Plant 4-5 feet apart for mass plantings and they quickly form colorful winter displays without overwhelming smaller spaces. These native shrubs have proven cold hardiness and excellent performance in harsh winter conditions.

Exceptional Wildlife Value: Thrives in USDA zones 3-8 with outstanding cold tolerance and native plant benefits. Once established, these shrubs provide food and shelter for birds while demonstrating remarkable adaptability to wet or dry soil conditions.

Four-Season Interest: A perfect multi-seasonal landscaping choice due to its spring white flowers, summer berries, fall foliage color, and winter stem display - ideal for gardeners wanting continuous seasonal interest from a single, low-maintenance native plant.

Arctic Fire Red Twig Dogwood Details

• Botanical Name: Cornus stolonifera 'Farrow' (Arctic Fire)
• Type: Deciduous native shrub
• Mature Size: 3–4 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide
• Growth Rate: Fast — up to 1–2 ft per year
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Adaptable; tolerates wet to dry conditions
• Water: Low to moderate; very adaptable
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Growing Conditions

Soil Adaptability: Extremely adaptable to various soil conditions from wet clay to sandy soils, including areas with poor drainage or seasonal flooding. However, consistently moist soil produces the most vigorous growth and intensely colored stems, while extremely dry conditions may reduce stem color intensity.

Light Requirements: Performs well in full sun to partial shade, with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal stem coloration. Optimal placement in locations receiving morning sun results in the most vibrant red winter stem color.

Hardiness: USDA zones 3-8, making it suitable for extremely cold climates across most of the United States, with exceptional cold tolerance down to -40°F once established.

Care Instructions

Watering: Water regularly during establishment, then occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Mature plants are very drought tolerant but also thrive in consistently moist conditions, making them ideal for problem wet areas.

Pruning: Annual pruning in late winter/early spring is essential for maintaining bright red stem color. Cut oldest stems to ground level each year, as young stems display the most vibrant color.

Fertilizing: Generally requires no fertilization due to native plant adaptability. If desired, apply balanced organic fertilizer in early spring, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can reduce stem color intensity.

Landscaping Uses

Versatile Applications: Arctic Fire Red Twig Dogwood's versatility makes it suitable for: winter interest gardens, rain gardens, mass plantings, foundation plantings, native plant gardens, and erosion control on slopes.

Winter Landscape Excellence: Creates stunning winter focal points that provide bright seasonal color and wildlife habitat, unlike ornamental shrubs that offer no winter interest or native plant benefits during the months when natural food sources are scarce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should I plant Arctic Fire Red Twig Dogwood for mass plantings? Plant 4-5 feet apart for mass plantings or foundation use, or 5-6 feet apart for specimen plantings. The compact nature allows for closer spacing than larger dogwood varieties without overcrowding.

When do the stems turn red and how do I maintain the color? Stems develop their brightest red color during fall and winter months, peaking in late winter. Annual pruning of oldest stems in late winter/early spring maintains the most vibrant color, as young growth displays the most intense red coloration.

Is Arctic Fire Red Twig Dogwood truly native and what wildlife does it support? Yes, this is a compact cultivar of native red osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera). It provides berries for over 100 bird species, serves as host plant for native butterflies, and offers year-round wildlife shelter and nesting sites.