Scarlet Fire Kousa Dogwood
Cornus florida 'Scarlet Fire'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
240 inches
Width
216 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Japan, Korea, China
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Cornus kousa 'Scarlet Fire' is a deciduous tree known for its stunning, deep reddish-pink floral bracts that appear in late spring. This Rutgers University introduction is noted for its consistently deep fuchsia-pink to reddish bracts, a unique color for kousa dogwoods, and good disease resistance.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck healthy cuttings into moist soil, keep consistently moist for 6 weeks.
- Plant in well-drained soil with partial sun exposure.
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and health.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Select a sheltered spot to protect from harsh winter winds.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Prune after flowering to shape the shrub
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Scarlet Fire Kousa Dogwood questions
What zones can Scarlet Fire Kousa Dogwood grow in?
Scarlet Fire Kousa Dogwood is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Scarlet Fire Kousa Dogwood deer resistant?
Yes — Scarlet Fire Kousa Dogwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Scarlet Fire Kousa Dogwood bloom?
Scarlet Fire Kousa Dogwood typically blooms in late spring through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Scarlet Fire Kousa Dogwood need full sun?
Scarlet Fire Kousa Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Cornus to compare
Red Twig Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Red Twig'
Arctic Fire Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Arctic Fire'
Kousa Dogwood
Cornus kousa
Midwinter Fire Dogwood
Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'
Giant Dogwood, Wedding Cake Tree
Cornus controversa
Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'
Keep exploring
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Grow Scarlet Fire Kousa Dogwood with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
