Arctic fire red twig dogwood is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that is native to North America. It typically grows to 6-8 feet tall and wide, but can occasionally reach up to 12 feet tall. The leaves are ovate-shaped and dark green, with a fine toothed margin. The branches are reddish-brown, and the twigs are often used in floral arrangements. The flowers are small, white, and borne in clusters. The fruit is a small, dark-colored drupe. Arctic fire red twig dogwood is tolerant of a wide range of soils and conditions, and is often used as an ornamental plant in landscape design.
Related plant:
Dicksonia Antarctica
Related plant:
Blue Arctic Willow
About soil condition, the Arctic fire red twig dogwood prefers well-drained soils and does not do well in constantly wet or poorly drained soils. It is also tolerant of a wide range of soil pH levels, from 4.5 to 8.0.
Similar to other types of dogwoods, the arctic fire red twig dogwood prefers full sun to partial shade. But it's one of the more tolerant dogwoods when it comes to sun exposure, so it's a good choice if you're not sure how much sun your yard gets. This shrub also prefers moist, well-drained soil, but it's tolerant of drier conditions as well.
The temperature in the Arctic is extremely cold, and the fire red twig dogwood is adapted to this condition. The leaves of the fire red twig dogwood are small and thick, and they are covered with a layer of wax. This wax helps to protect the leaves from the cold and keeps them from freezing. The fire red twig dogwood also has a deep root system that helps it to stay warm in the winter.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and fall off. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will also start to turn yellow and fall off.
For the fertilizer, this family of plant requires a lot of phosphorus for the flowers. If you are using a general fertilizer, use 1/4 the recommended amount and apply it three times a year: spring, summer, and fall. If you are using a fertilizer made for dogwoods, follow the package directions. For the root, the arctic fire red twig dogwood prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. You can amend your soil with compost or peat moss to help with drainage and acidity.
Pruning is important for the health of your arctic fire red twig dogwood. Pruning helps to remove diseased or damaged branches, and to shaping the plant. When pruning, be sure to cut just above a leaf node, and make sure that the cuts are clean and even.
Propagation for arctic fire red twig dogwood is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in the spring. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and taken from the tips of the branches. They should be placed in a moist, well-drained soil and kept in a shady location. Cuttings should be well-watered and the soil kept moist until they are rooted and established.
Usually, the plant growth rate is about one to two feet per year. Some people have seen this plant grow as much as four feet in a year, but this is typically not the norm. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil. It is a hardy plant that can withstand some drought.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, canker, and twig blight. Powdery mildew is a white powdery fungus that appears on the leaves and stems of the plant. Canker is a disease that causes the bark of the plant to crack and peel. Twig blight is a disease that affects the twigs and branches of the plant.
Source:
Pests of Dogwood | NC State Extension Publications
Dogwood | Home & Garden Information Center - Clemson University
Dogwood Twig Borer | NC State Extension Publications
