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

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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

Why Scarlet Fire® Japanese Dogwood?

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.

Key Features

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.

Landscape Uses

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.

Explore More from Nature Hills

The Scarlet Fire® Japanese Dogwood joins our exceptional collection of dogwood trees and flowering trees, offering reliable spring color and distinctive form. For gardeners seeking more options, explore our complete selection of trees and fast growing trees to create the perfect landscape combination. Learn about proper planting techniques and seasonal maintenance in our comprehensive guide How Do You Care For Dogwood Trees?, and discover the fascinating background of these beloved species in History Of The Dogwood Tree.

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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On all orders over $199
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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.