Cornus kousa 'Scarlet Fire' | Dogwood - Height 130-150cm - 15lt

The Cornus kousa 'Scarlet Fire' is a striking deciduous dogwood tree, highly valued for its vibrant pink to deep fuchsia bracts that appear in late spring to early summer. Unlike the more common white-flowered dogwoods, ‘Scarlet Fire’ stands out with its long-lasting and intense colour, making it a showstopper in any garden.

It is known for its vigorous growth, disease resistance, and stunning ornamental appeal. It typically reaches a height of around 4.5 to 6 metres (15-20 feet) with a spreading, upright habit. Its dark green, ovate leaves provide a lush summer canopy, turning attractive shades of orange and red in autumn, adding seasonal interest.

In May to June, the tree is adorned with large, star-shaped floral bracts that begin as a soft pink and gradually deepen to a rich fuchsia. These flowers are not only visually striking but also provide nectar for pollinators. Following the flowering period, raspberry-like fruits develop, which are edible and attract birds.It thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefers a sunny or partially shaded position. Once established, it demonstrates good drought tolerance, though young plants benefit from regular watering.

Perfect for small gardens, woodland edges, or as a specimen tree, 'Scarlet Fire' adds a striking colour contrast to mixed borders. It works well in both traditional and contemporary landscapes, offering year-round beauty with minimal maintenance.

For UK gardeners, this hardy dogwood is an excellent choice, bringing bold colour and reliable performance to the garden with its spectacular spring blossoms and autumn foliage.