Growing zones
See Zone Map >Status: In stock
Please note: #5 containers cannot be shipped to Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington due to size restrictions.
- Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Mature Plant Size (H x W):
3-4' x 3-4' 
Bloom Season:
Spring
- Attracts Birds
- Winter Interest
- Rain Gardens
- Walnut Toxicity Resistant
- Attracts Butterflies
- Cut Flower
- Attracts Pollinators
Planting & Care for Deciduous Shrub – Arctic Fire® Dogwood
Preparation
- The Arctic Fire® Dogwood is a smaller version of Red Twig Dogwood.
- This plant only grows around 3-4' tall and wide.
- Be sure to plant near an area in your landscape that gets full sun, although this plant will tolerate some shade.
- Grows best in wet soils.
- It's best planted in a mulched bed that will be adequately watered.
This is an excellent plant for massing as a shrub border in a landscape design.
Opening Plant Material
- Bare Root: Cut open the bundle (top and roots are tied) and separate all the plants. Soak roots in buckets of water until planted. Each plant type will be labeled separately for identification. Keep the roots from full sun since they should never dry out. Keep roots covered. All bare-root plants must be trimmed when planted.
- Containers: Completely saturate all container plants by putting them in a larger water container until bubbling stops. Remove the plant, then dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container, ensuring it’s wider on the sides by an additional 6” or more.
Planting Bare Root
- Plant bare root in fall. A good indicator of whether you can still plant is if the ground is still workable. If a hard frost is expected, hold off on planting.
- Dig a hole at least 6" wider and the same depth as the root mass. The crown or graft of the plant should be slightly higher than the ground level where it was grown at the nursery.
- Trim off the broken roots and branches.
- Place fertilizer packets in the hole (if purchased). Do not place other fertilizers in the planting hole. *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer.
- Spread the roots and fill halfway with soil, then water until the soil settles completely, saturating the soil and planting pit.
- Re-adjust the plant and fill the hole with the rest of the soil.
- Backfill the balance of the soil and water well.
Planting Containers
- Slide the plant from the pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
- With a shovel or knife, trim the bottom 2" off the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
- Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
Place the root ball in the hole. - Notice where the base of the trunk flares out from the tree. This is called the root flare. This root flare should show when the tree is planted. Add soil under the ball so the root flare is exposed if necessary.
- Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer.
- Backfill the hole with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
- Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
Pruning - After Planting
- Bare Root: Prune ALL bare root plants to reduce transplant shock and ensure successful planting. Pruning should occur as soon as possible, either before or after planting, and with sharp pruning shears.
- Containers: Although it’s not essential for containers after planting, light pruning can improve a Red Twig Dogwood’s shape. Doing so removes any broken branches from shipping or thins out a heavily branched plant to help in the transplanting process and the appearance of your new planting.
Pruning - Through-out the Season
- Prune in May, and October to November. Doing so keeps the plants flowering and fruiting well by removing one stem in three.
- Tackle evergreens in mid-spring and deciduous kinds in mid-fall.
Watering - After Planting
- Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
- Beyond the 6-week establishment period, water once per week unless rains occur.
- Arctic Fire® Dogwood plants need wet soils to grow. Remember to check soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil around 3”.
Watering - Through-out the Season
- After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
- Same as after planting, stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sunlight does an Arctic Fire® Dogwood need?
Although this plant isn’t picky with some partial shade, be sure to plant it near an area in your garden that gets exposure to the full sun. It's best planted in a mulched bed that will receive adequate water.
How can I get the vibrant red stem color for my Dwarf Red Fire Dogwood bush?
If you want to ensure your dwarf Red-Osier Dogwood bush stands out in the winter landscape, remove the oldest stems at ground level annually. New, more vibrantly colored stems will replace the old quickly.
When will the white flowers on my Dwarf Red Twig Dogwood turn into white berries?
A Dwarf Red Twig Dogwood will grow white blooms in spring and bloom into white berries by late summer.
How often should I water Arctic Fire® Dogwood?
Regular watering is important for a Red-Osier Dogwood bush, especially during the first growing season, to establish a deep root system. Water the plant deeply once a week, and adjust based on weather conditions—more frequently during hot, dry periods and less during cool, moist spells. The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there’s no need to water your Arctic Fire® Dogwood plant. If it’s dry, give it a good soak with the hose end (no nozzle), watering the soil only, not the leaves.
Is a Dwarf Red Twig Dogwood resistant to pests and diseases?
A Red-Osier Dogwood is relatively resistant to many pests and diseases. If your Arctic Fire® Dogwood plant is stressed or grown in poor conditions, it can be susceptible to dogwood borers and leaf spot diseases. Keeping the plant healthy and well-maintained usually keeps these issues at bay.
Upgrade Your Landscaping With McKay Nursery
An Arctic Fire® Dogwood is a great addition to any landscape design if you start with plants from the right nursery. At McKay Nursery, our decades of expertise in the horticulture industry are unmatched. We provide an exquisite selection of in-house-grown plants, each backed by our one-year warranty. Spice up your garden with a fiery Arctic Fire® Dogwood today! For questions and concerns, contact us at [email protected] or 920-478-2121.
Planting & Handling Help
Download our Planting and Handling Guide below to plan for a successful arrival and install of your plants. Be sure to water all plants as soon as they arrive and every day until you’re ready to plant. Keep any bare root bundles in a shady, cool spot with the roots covered at all times.
Learn More
Watch our videos on handling bare root plants, how your order is prepared for shipment and more.
Plant Sizing
What is the difference between Containers, Grow Bags, Bare Root, and Balled & Burlap (B&B)?
Shipping Times
Our FedEx and local shipping times depend on two factors, one is by the region and the second is the type of product being shipped. For example, small fruits are only shipped in spring, but majority of our perennials are shipped from spring until fall. Keep in mind the dates below act as a general guide. Due to unpredictable weather, staffing, inventory and industry demands these timelines can change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any of these times.
Shipping Dates by Region*
Northern Cold Region: April 22nd - November 7th
Northern Region: April 15th - November 7th
Middle Region: April 1st - November 7th
Southern Region: March 15th - November 7th
Local Delivery (small radius from Waterloo, WI): April 22nd - November 7th
Shipping Dates by Season*
Spring Shipping: Region Start Date (above) - May
Fall Shipping: September - November
Due to unpredictable weather, these times may vary. Some varieties are exceptions due to heat and plant health reasons. Enter your shipping zip code at the top of this page and be sure to check the shipping information on each product before you add it to your cart. If the product is too large or restricted in your state, you will not be able to checkout with that item in your cart.