Scarlet Fire Dogwood
Best ornamental tree for gardeners seeking long-lasting seasonal color.
The Scarlet Fire Dogwood (_Cornus florida_ ‘Scarlet Fire’) is a captivating ornamental tree, renowned for its spectacular spring display of brilliant pinkish-red blooms that can last for six weeks or more. Its glossy green foliage transitions to rich fall colors, offering extended seasonal beauty. With an elegant upright, rounded form, it serves as a stunning focal point in any garden or landscape. This deciduous tree thrives in full sun to partial shade, reaching a mature height of 20-25 feet and a spread of 15-20 feet.
$199.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
61
/ 2693
#61 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
+355%
Above average
Botanical Name
Cornus florida ‘Scarlet Fire’
/ Cornus florida ‘Scarlet Fire’
Who it's for
- Landscapers prioritizing year-round visual interest
- Gardeners seeking high-impact, vibrant spring color
- Homeowners wanting low-maintenance, disease-resistant trees
Who should skip it
- Traditionalists expecting early spring flowering displays
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate landscape maturity
- Gardeners with heavy clay or alkaline soil conditions
Performance breakdown
Bloom Longevity
Six weeks of vibrant color outlasts almost every other flowering tree.
Visual Impact
The intense pinkish-red hue creates an undeniable focal point for gardens.
Seasonal Versatility
Rich fall foliage ensures the tree remains relevant beyond spring blooms.
Growth Habit
The upright, rounded form maintains a clean silhouette without constant pruning.
Site Adaptability
Flexible light requirements allow for placement in various landscape conditions.
Establishment Size
The seven-foot starting height provides an immediate sense of maturity.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Cornus florida ‘Scarlet Fire’
Bloom Color
Pinkish red
Bloom Time
Spring to early summer
Length of Bloom
6 weeks or more
Mature Height
20 to 25 feet
Mature Spread
15 to 20 feet
Light Preference
Full sun to partial shade
Available Size
10 gallon (7-8' height)
Features
- Brilliant pinkish-red spring blooms
- Extended fall foliage color
- Attractive upright, rounded form
- Blooms persist for six weeks
- Ideal as a specimen tree
- Adds seasonal interest to landscapes
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and vigor of the Scarlet Fire Dogwood upon delivery. Reviewers frequently highlight the plant's stunning, true to name color and robust growth habit, confirming its premium aesthetic value in the garden. The primary theme is the plant's health and successful establishment, suggesting Holly Days Nursery provides superior stock that meets high expectations for specialized cultivars. This reliability makes the initial investment worthwhile for serious gardeners seeking dramatic landscape impact.
Know before you buy
This variety is prized for its longevity, with vibrant pinkish-red blooms that persist for six weeks or more throughout the spring and early summer.
At maturity, the Scarlet Fire Dogwood reaches a height of 20 to 25 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet. You should ensure you have enough clearance for this upright, rounded form to grow comfortably.
It is quite versatile and performs well in both full sun and partial shade. If you live in a region with particularly intense summer heat, a location with some afternoon shade can help protect the foliage.
Beyond its extended spring bloom, this tree offers glossy green foliage throughout the summer. As the season cools, the leaves transition into rich, attractive fall colors, providing interest well into the autumn months.
Yes, its elegant, upright, and rounded form makes it an excellent specimen tree for smaller landscapes. It serves as a strong focal point without becoming overly sprawling.
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$199