Midwinter fire dogwood is a plant that is native to the southeastern United States. It is a deciduous shrub that grows to be 6-9 feet tall and wide. The leaves are oblong-shaped and the flowers are white with small yellow centers. The fruit is a red drupe that is eaten by birds. This plant is often used as an ornamental plant in landscaping.
Related plant:
Cornus Midwinter Fire
About soil condition, The best time to plant a fire dogwood is in the fall or spring. It prefers well-drained, sandy loam soils, but can also grow in clay or loamy soils. The fire dogwood does not like wet or soggy soils. It is also tolerant of drought conditions once it is established.
Not too different with other fire dogwoods, the Midwinter fire dogwood requires full sun to partial sun in order to prosper. This means that it should be planted in an area of your yard that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. partial sun is also acceptable, but the Midwinter fire dogwood will produce more flowers and have a more vibrant red color if it is grown in full sun.
The temperature condition that is most ideal for the midwinter fire dogwood is a temperature that is slightly above freezing. This allows the tree to retain its leaves and prevent them from falling off. If the temperature were to drop below freezing, the leaves would fall off and the tree would be left with no protection from the cold.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 and 60%. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, it is important to keep the soil moist but not wet. If the air is too dry, the plant may drop its leaves.
The fertilizer, usually the plant 's own food that is high in nitrogen, is needed for the plant to make new growth, repair existing growth and maintain its current health. The amount of fertilizer needed depends on the age of the plant, the time of year and the type of fertilizer used. For young plants, a little fertilizer goes a long way and too much can actually harm the plant. For established plants, a moderate amount of fertilizer is needed to maintain health and vigor.
Pruning midwinter fire dogwood should be done in early spring before new growth begins. Cut back any dead or damaged branches first. Then, thin out the canopy to allow more light and air to reach the inner branches. Finally, cut back any remaining branches to the desired length.
Propagation is best done through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and taken from new growth. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and keep moist. Cuttings should root within 4-8 weeks.
Usually, the plant growth rate is about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) per year. However, some cultivars have been found to grow more slowly. A ten-year-old midwinter fire dogwood tree will typically be about 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 m) tall.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and dieback. These problems are usually caused by too much moisture or poor air circulation. To prevent these problems, make sure to plant midwinter fire dogwood in an area with well-drained soil and good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering and make sure to remove any dead or diseased leaves or branches.
Source:
Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' - JC Raulston Arboretum
Scarlet Fire® Dogwood Trees: Rutgers Licensing and Technology ...
Redosier dogwood | UMN Extension - University of Minnesota
