Arctic Fire Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera 'Farrow')

🌱

☀️

Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; full sun exposure enhances the intensity of winter stem color

💧

Watering Keep soil consistently moist; tolerates occasional flooding and wet soil conditions

🌡️

Temperature Extremely cold hardy; withstands harsh winter temperatures down to -40°C without damage

🔍

Leaf: Opposite, ovate to elliptical medium green foliage turning reddish-purple in autumn
Flower: Clusters of small, flat-topped white cymes
Stem: Slender, bright red stems prominent in winter; spreads via underground stolons

🛠️

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist; supplement water during prolonged dry spells

Fertilization

Apply diluted balanced fertilizer once in early spring. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to prioritize stem color over foliage growth

Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels; dilute 1:20 with water for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestations

Pruning

Prune back one-third of oldest stems in late winter to promote vibrant new red stem growth
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased stems in early spring to improve plant health
Thin overcrowded growth to enhance air circulation and maintain a compact form

⚠️

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

📖

Culture: Winter red stems symbolize warmth and resilience in cold landscapes; used in native pollinator gardens

Usage: Ornamental shrub for winter interest; used for erosion control along stream banks