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Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' is a striking deciduous shrub known for its fiery winter stems, which create a brilliant display of orange, red, and yellow tones. This multi-season shrub provides year-round interest, with attractive foliage in spring and summer, followed by vibrant fall colors and standout winter stems.
Description:
- Dimensions: Grows to a height of 5-6 feet with a spread of 5-6 feet, forming a dense, rounded habit.
- Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun to part sun, producing the best winter color when grown in full sun.
- Water Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to a range of conditions, including damp or boggy areas. Drought-tolerant once established.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in Zones 4-7, making it an excellent choice for colder climates.
- Bloom Time: Produces small, creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer, which attract pollinators. These are followed by small, dark purple berries that provide food for birds in late summer.
- Foliage: Green in spring and summer, turning vibrant shades of yellow and orange in the fall before dropping to reveal the brilliant winter stems.
- Pruning: Best pruned in late winter or early spring. Cut back one-third of the oldest stems to the ground each year to encourage new growth with the brightest winter color.
How to Plant:
- Location: Ideal for garden borders, mass plantings, mixed shrub beds, or as a focal point in the winter garden. Also works well in rain gardens and along stream banks.
- Soil Preparation: Prefers rich, well-draining soil but is highly adaptable to different soil types, including clay.
- Planting: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, place the plant at the same depth as in its container, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
- Spacing: Space plants 5-6 feet apart to allow for mature growth and a full, bushy appearance.
- Watering: Water deeply after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season. Once established, it is tolerant of occasional drought.
Fun Fact:
Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' is named for its striking winter stems that resemble glowing flames in the landscape. It is a favorite for adding color to winter gardens and is often used in floral arrangements for its bold stems.