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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

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 Week of March 2nd
Zone 7 Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12 Week of February 15th


Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 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

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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.

Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do the flowers last on the Scarlet Fire® Dogwood?
  • The fuchsia-colored bracts are exceptionally long-lasting, typically staying on the tree for 6 to 8 weeks through late spring and early summer.

Is the fruit of the Scarlet Fire® Dogwood edible?
  • While the strawberry-like red fruits are technically edible for humans, they are mostly prized as a high-energy food source for songbirds.

Does this tree suffer from dogwood anthracnose?
  • No, this Cornus kousa cultivar was specifically bred for high resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew, making it much easier to maintain than many native flowering dogwoods.

How much space does this tree need?
  • It reaches a spread of about 15 to 20 feet wide, so it should be planted at least 10 to 12 feet away from structures to allow its layered branches to develop fully.

Is the Scarlet Fire® Dogwood deer resistant?
  • Yes, Japanese Dogwoods are generally considered deer resistant and are far less likely to be browsed than other ornamental tree species.
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