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.
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.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
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.
