Arctic Fire® Red Twig Dogwood

About this plant

Arctic Fire® Red Twig Dogwood, a Proven Winners® selection, is celebrated for its brilliant, fire-engine red stems, which deliver a spectacular display of color in the dormant season. As summer gives way to autumn, its green foliage transitions to hues of purple-red, offering additional ornamental appeal before dropping to reveal the striking red branches. Beyond its dramatic winter presence, this compact and versatile shrub also offers delicate white flowers in spring, followed by small white berries that attract birds. Its smaller stature makes it an ideal choice for a variety of landscape applications, from perennial borders to mass plantings. Hardy and adaptable, Arctic Fire® provides reliable, year-round beauty with minimal fuss. Plant it where its winter splendor can be admired – near windows, along walkways, or as a focal point in a winter garden.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring by removing up to one-third of the oldest stems at ground level to encourage new, vibrantly colored growth. This rejuvenation pruning helps maintain the plant’s best winter stem color.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.