Scarlet Fire® Japanese Dogwood

Cornus kousa 'Rutpink'

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.

$80¹⁵

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Plant Size

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

Product variants

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Delivery and Shipping

Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Disease resistant, Flowering, Fall Color/Interest, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Thornless, Attracts pollinators, Drought resistant, Fragrant, Fast-growing, Evergreen, Groundcover, and Self-pollinating

Specifications

Botanical Name

Cornus kousa 'Rutpink'
Height

20-25 ft
Width

15-20 ft
Growing Zones

5-9
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

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

Red/Burgundy
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Pollinator Required

No
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, FL, ID, MT, OR

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.

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.

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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.

Healthy tree, well groomed for the garden!

It is a bit early to rate the performance of this cultivar as it has been in my garden for only a few months. This disease resistant cultivar was not available locally, so I took a chance and ordered it online. It appears to be grafted to a root stock. The plant was well maintained with the lower lateral branch buds clipped to form a nicely shaped specimen. The plant arrived in excellent condition and was well packed for transport. I look forward to seeing how the tree develops over time, but I am off to a good start. Also, the tree was fairly priced for the size and quality.

Hello Jay,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your tree arrived in excellent condition and that our careful grooming and packing met your expectations. Taking a chance on purchasing a disease-resistant cultivar online can feel a bit uncertain, so it’s wonderful to know you feel off to a good start with this plant.

Since the tree was recently grafted onto rootstock, you might notice changes as it continues to establish and develop its structure over the coming seasons — a rewarding journey to watch in your garden. If you ever want tips for nurturing young grafted trees or advice on how to encourage full growth while maintaining the nice shape it has now, please don’t hesitate to reach out or explore our Plant Care Guides online. Staying proactive about watering, mulching, and monitoring for local pests can help ensure great health as well.

Your kind recognition of the fair pricing, size, and quality means a lot to us. We're rooting for your garden’s flourishing and look forward to supporting you as your beautiful new tree matures over time!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Healthy tree, well groomed for the garden!

Hi Jay,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your new tree arrived healthy and beautifully groomed, and that our careful packing met your expectations. Ordering a plant online can definitely feel like a bit of a leap of faith, so it’s wonderful to know your disease-resistant cultivar is off to such a promising start in your garden. The grafted rootstock is indeed a great feature for supporting vigorous growth and resilience.

As your tree grows, keep an eye on early signs of growth and continue to provide appropriate watering and fertilizing for optimal health. If you ever want detailed care tips tailored to your specific cultivar, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help you enjoy a thriving and beautiful garden!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Plants arrived healthy

Planted as soon as arrived. Plants were packaged well. Looking forward to these dogwood!

Hi Caleb,

Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience! We’re delighted to hear that your dogwood plants arrived healthy and well-packaged—it’s always our goal to make sure your plants travel safely and ready for the perfect planting day. Dogwoods are such beautiful trees, and with the proper care, we're confident they'll thrive in your garden.

For best results, be sure to plant them in well-draining soil with partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. If you ever need tips on care or seasonal maintenance for your dogwoods, feel free to reach out or check our Plant Care Resources on NatureHills.com—we’re always here to help you nurture your green space.

Looking forward to hearing about your garden’s progress!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Plants arrived healthy

Planted as soon as arrived. Plants were packaged well. Looking forward to these dogwood!

Hi,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that your plants arrived healthy and well-packaged. Dogwoods are such beautiful and rewarding trees to grow — once established, they offer stunning blossoms and vibrant seasonal color. Since you planted them right away, you’ve given them the best start!

As you care for your dogwoods, be sure to keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained, especially during their first year, to help their roots establish. Mulching around the base can also help retain moisture and protect against temperature swings. If you ever have any questions about care or disease prevention, feel free to reach out or check out our Plant Care Resources page for helpful tips.

We’re excited to see your dogwoods thrive and brighten your landscape!