Red Twig Dogwood 'Arctic Fire Red'

About this plant

Cornus sericea 'Arctic Fire Red Proven Winners' delivers a spectacular display of vibrant red stems, providing unparalleled winter interest when other plants are dormant. This improved cultivar offers a more compact, well-branched habit than traditional varieties, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or mass plantings where its stunning color can truly shine. Its rich green foliage throughout spring and summer provides a lush backdrop, followed by subtle white flowers and occasional white berries, adding multi-season appeal. Beyond its striking aesthetic, 'Arctic Fire Red' is exceptionally versatile and robust. It thrives in a range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and is tolerant of various soil types, including damp areas, making it ideal for rain gardens or naturalized settings. This low-maintenance shrub is a true garden workhorse, offering year-round beauty with minimal effort. Perfect for adding a dramatic pop of color along pathways, in mixed borders, or as a vibrant specimen, this Red Twig Dogwood transforms the bleakest winter days into a captivating visual feast. Its bright stems are also a favorite for cutting and incorporating into seasonal arrangements, bringing the beauty of your garden indoors.

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

Easily grown in average to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Best stem color is achieved in full sun. For the most intense red stems, prune back 25-30% of the oldest stems to the ground each late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This encourages vigorous new stem growth which has the best coloration. Can tolerate heavier pruning if desired for size control.

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.