Scarlet Fire® Flowering Dogwood will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.
This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. This plant does not require much in the way of fertilizing once established. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
Details
Botanical Name
Cornus kousa 'Rutpink'
Common Name
Scarlet Fire Dogwood
Hardiness Zone
- 6a
Appearance
Max Height
25 feet
Max Spread
20 feet
Plant Form
- Upright Spreading
Foliage Colour
- Green with Rose Veins
Fall Colour
- Red
- Purple
Flower Colour
- Deep Rose Pink
Edible
Edible Component
Edible Harvest Period
Edible Use
Fruit Colour
- Pink
Growing
Flowering Period
Mid Spring to Early Summer
Moisture
Average to Evenly Moist
Sunlight
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Maintenance
Low
Deer Resistance
Get more information about this plant and others with our comprehensive plant finder tool.