Scarlet Fire® Japanese Dogwood

Cornus kousa 'Rutpink'

Nature Hills Nursery

Reliable performance in USDA zones 5-8 with excellent heat and cold tolerance.
Produces massive 5-inch star-shaped fuchsia bracts that last for an impressive 6-8 weeks.
Features a moderate growth rate of 12-24 inches per year, reaching a mature height of up to 25 feet.
Bred for superior disease resistance against common dogwood issues like anthracnose and powdery mildew.

$114⁵⁵

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Plant Size

#1 Container 3-4 Feet #2 Container 3-4 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun to achieve the most intense neon-pink flower color. While it tolerates partial shade, fewer hours of light will result in muted colors and a thinner canopy.
Soil: This tree loves rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost or plant the root ball in a slight mound to ensure the roots never sit in standing water.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years, give your tree a deep soak twice a week to help the roots reach deep into the ground. Once established, it is more resilient, but inconsistent watering during summer heat can lead to crispy leaf edges or smaller flower bracts. Think of regular watering as insurance for the health and vibrancy of the foliage.

Pruning Tips

Since this dogwood forms its flower buds on old wood from the previous season, you should only prune immediately after the flowers fade in late spring. Focus on removing dead wood or branches that cross over each other to improve airflow through the center. Think of it like a light haircut to maintain the tree's natural shape without accidentally cutting off next year’s blooms.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the first leaves begin to emerge. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer because they stimulate soft new growth that will not toughen up before the first freeze. This prevents winter die-back on the tips of the branches.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

A Breakthrough in Dogwood Breeding

If you are looking for a landscape centerpiece that truly stops traffic, the Scarlet Fire® Japanese Dogwood (Cornus kousa 'Rutpink') is the definitive choice. Developed by the experts at Rutgers University, this cultivar represents a significant leap in breeding, offering the deepest pink to fuchsia color ever seen in a Kousa variety. Unlike traditional white or pale pink dogwoods, Scarlet Fire® ignites the late spring garden with massive, 5-inch star-shaped blooms that look like glowing embers against the dark green canopy.

Sensory Interest Through the Seasons

The visual journey begins in spring as fuchsia bracts emerge and persist for up to eight weeks—far longer than most flowering trees. As the blossoms fade, they transition into ornamental, strawberry-like fruits that add a unique texture to the layered, horizontal branches. During summer, the ovate leaves are a deep, lush green with subtle purple tinges on the new growth, providing excellent shade. When the air turns crisp in autumn, the tree undergoes a spectacular transformation, turning vibrant shades of neon red and orange. Even in the depths of winter, the mottled tan and gray exfoliating bark creates a sophisticated silhouette against the snow.

Versatile Landscape Utility

Because of its compact mature size of 20 to 25 feet, the Scarlet Fire® Dogwood is an ideal fit for modern yards and urban landscapes. It serves beautifully as a singular specimen tree near a patio where its layered architecture can be admired up close. It is equally at home in woodland gardens, mixed shrub borders, or used in small groupings to create a high-impact privacy screen. With its natural resistance to pests and diseases, this tree offers the classic beauty of a Dogwood without the maintenance headaches.

Botanical Name

Cornus kousa 'Rutpink'
Class
- Cornales
Species

kousa
Cultivar

Rutpink
Growing Zones

5-9
Height

20-25 ft
Width

15-20 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Red
- Pink
Leaf Color
- Green
- Red
- Purple
Fall Color

Red/Burgundy
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Scarlet Fire® Japanese Dogwood suitable for?

Scarlet Fire® Japanese Dogwood thrives in USDA zones 5-8, handling both cold winters and moderate heat. This makes it suitable for most temperate regions across the continental United States. Check your local zone to ensure it matches this range before planting.

What kind of soil does Scarlet Fire® Japanese Dogwood need (acidic, well-drained, etc.)?

Scarlet Fire® Japanese Dogwood thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil with consistent moisture. This adaptable tree tolerates various soil types but performs best with good drainage to prevent root issues. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter and shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance beauty.

Is Scarlet Fire® Dogwood disease-resistant and pest-resistant compared to other dogwoods?

Scarlet Fire® Dogwood offers natural resistance to the pests and diseases that commonly plague other dogwood varieties. This Kousa cultivar provides classic dogwood beauty without the typical maintenance headaches. Choose this variety for a low-maintenance landscape tree that delivers reliable performance.

How do I plant Scarlet Fire® Japanese Dogwood, including hole size and watering?

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the container height. Plant at the same depth it was growing in the pot, backfill with native soil, and water deeply. Water regularly the first year until established.

What is the shipping size of Scarlet Fire® Dogwood trees (e.g., 2-4 ft)?

Scarlet Fire® Dogwood trees typically ship as young specimens around 2-4 feet tall in containers. These compact starter trees establish quickly and will reach their mature height of 20-25 feet within several years. Check current availability and sizing options at naturehills.com.

Are there any restricted states where Scarlet Fire® Dogwood cannot be shipped?

Scarlet Fire® Japanese Dogwood has no known shipping restrictions and adapts well to most regions. This hardy Cornus kousa cultivar thrives in USDA zones 5-8 with excellent disease resistance. Check your specific state's plant import regulations or contact your local extension office for any regional guidelines.

What is the flowering time and duration for Scarlet Fire® Dogwood (e.g., late spring, 6-8 weeks)?

Scarlet Fire® Dogwood blooms in late spring with flowers persisting for up to 8 weeks. The massive 5-inch fuchsia bracts provide exceptionally long-lasting color compared to most flowering trees. Plant where you can enjoy the extended display from a patio or window.