Cornus Scarlet Fire
Best flowering specimen for gardeners seeking vibrant, low-maintenance seasonal color.
Introducing the Cornus Scarlet Fire®, a captivating Chinese Dogwood variety known for its exceptionally dark pink bracts. This tree blooms early, often by its fourth year, showcasing large, rosy pink flowers that can last up to two months. Its spring foliage emerges with a charming purple tint before deepening to green. Following the bloom, it produces attractive rose-colored berries, a favorite for birds. Scarlet Fire® is a vigorous, humidity-tolerant, and cold-hardy tree, ideal for Zones 5-8, reaching a mature height and spread of 15-20 feet, making it a striking specimen.
$54.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
7
/ 1134
#7 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-49%
Below average
Mature Height
20
/ feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a vibrant, high-impact spring focal point
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, disease-resistant landscaping
- Designers prioritizing multi-seasonal visual interest in their gardens
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for affordable nursery stock
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, full-sized landscape impact
- Owners with challenging soil or limited shaded planting spots
Performance breakdown
Bloom Intensity
Deep pink bracts offer a visual impact unmatched by standard dogwoods.
Early Maturity
Reaches flowering stage significantly faster than traditional Chinese Dogwood varieties.
Climate Adaptability
Robust performance across diverse humidity levels and cold hardiness zones.
Wildlife Appeal
Rose-colored berries serve as a reliable seasonal magnet for local birds.
Maintenance Ease
Vigorous growth habit requires minimal intervention once established in the landscape.
Seasonal Interest
Multi-stage appeal from purple-tinged spring foliage to long-lasting floral displays.
Key Specs
Mature Height
20 feet
Mature Width
20 feet
USDA Hardiness Zones
5 - 8
Light Requirement
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Water Needs
High
Soil Type Preference
Well-drained
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Wildlife Attractor
Birds
Features
- Deepest pink bracts on a Chinese Dogwood
- Flowers at a young age
- Unique purple-tinged spring leaves
- Attracts birds with colorful berries
- Tolerant of humidity
- Long-lasting blooms
- Easy to grow and maintain
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the exceptional quality of the Cornus Scarlet Fire upon delivery. Reviewers frequently note the robust health and careful packaging, ensuring successful establishment in the garden. The primary draw is the stunning aesthetic; the vibrant scarlet coloration lives up to its name, providing a dramatic focal point. This combination of superior plant health and striking visual design makes it a highly recommended purchase for serious gardeners seeking reliable color.
Know before you buy
Unlike many other dogwoods that take years to establish, this variety is known for blooming at a young age, typically by its fourth year.
The large, rosy pink bracts are exceptionally long-lasting, often remaining on the tree for up to two months during the spring season.
Yes, it performs best in well-drained soil. Because it has high water needs, ensure the planting site stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Absolutely. The foliage emerges with a unique purple tint in the spring, and the tree produces rose-colored berries in the fall that are highly attractive to local birds.
Yes, this variety is specifically noted for its humidity tolerance, making it a reliable choice for gardeners in USDA Zones 5 through 8.
At maturity, the Scarlet Fire reaches a height and width of 15 to 20 feet. You should plant it in a location that allows for a 20-foot spread to ensure it has enough room to grow comfortably.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$55