Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'

Set the late season garden alight with the blazing stems of Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire.' In fall, the bare stems of this deciduous Bloodtwig Dogwood glow a brilliant orange-yellow with crimson at their tips, creating the look of flickering flames in the autumn and winter landscape. Come spring, the shrub’s emerging growth is red but can show variability. Small, fragrant white flowers appear in flat-topped clusters in late spring, and they serve as landing pads and feeding stations for butterflies. The flowers evolve into discreet purple berries that nourish feathered friends. The plant’s green leaves turn gold in autumn, a prelude to the highly decorative display of colorful stems to follow. ‘Midwinter Fire’ is included on the RHS list of Plants for Pollinators but will not interest deer. These shrubs perform best in evenly moist soil and full sun.

The genus Cornus is a member of the Dogwood family and one that gardeners often look to for ornamental plants. The species are mostly shrubs or small trees that sport opposite leaves and usually produce a showy bract that surrounds the true flower and adds greatly to its effect. For attractive color in winter, look to the stems of C. sanguinea or C. sericea.

For information on growing and care, click Growing Guide.