Midwinter Fire Dogwood
Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
60 inches
Width
60 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
Europe and Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
A multi-stemmed, suckering, deciduous shrub native to Europe and western Asia, typically grown for its colorful winter stems and tolerance of a wide range of soil conditions. This cultivar is prized for its brilliant winter stem color, which transitions from yellow at the base to fiery orange and red at the tips. Best color is on new growth.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a well-draining, slightly acidic soil for planting.
- Tuck roots into a planting hole, ensuring the graft union is above soil level.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during propagation.
- Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune lightly in late winter to shape the shrub and remove dead wood.
Pro Tip
Plant in a location with full sun for best color display and vigorous growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune in late winter to maintain shape
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Fertilize with balanced slow-release in early spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not prune in late summer or fall
- Avoid heavy soil without proper drainage
- Refrain from fertilizing during dormancy
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| 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
Midwinter Fire Dogwood questions
What zones can Midwinter Fire Dogwood grow in?
Midwinter Fire Dogwood is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Midwinter Fire Dogwood deer resistant?
Yes — Midwinter Fire Dogwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Midwinter Fire Dogwood bloom?
Midwinter Fire Dogwood typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Midwinter Fire Dogwood need full sun?
Midwinter Fire Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Midwinter Fire Dogwood drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Midwinter Fire Dogwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Cornus to compare
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Cornus sericea 'Arctic Fire'
Kousa Dogwood
Cornus kousa
Giant Dogwood, Wedding Cake Tree
Cornus controversa
Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'
Golden Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Golden Dogwood'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Midwinter Fire 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.
