The Fire and Ice Dogwood (Cornus alba) is a breathtaking ornamental shrub that brings year-round color and texture to any garden. Renowned for its vibrant red bark in winter, variegated green-and-white foliage, and clusters of creamy white flowers in spring, this plant is a favorite among landscape designers for borders, hedges, and foundation plantings.
In summer, it bears small white berries that attract birds and pollinators, while its brilliant scarlet stems create a dramatic display against snow or evergreens in winter. Hardy and low-maintenance, this variety thrives in both sun and partial shade, adapting easily to different soils and climates.
Features
- 🌿 Striking Variegation: Green leaves edged with creamy white margins.
- 🌸 Beautiful Flowers: Creamy white blooms appear in spring.
- 🍒 Attractive Berries: Clusters of white berries follow flowering, providing food for birds.
- 🌺 Red Winter Bark: Fiery red stems brighten cold-season landscapes.
- 🌱 Four-Season Interest: Colorful and dynamic year-round appearance.
- ❄️ Cold Hardy: Perfect for northern climates.
- 🌎 Non-GMO Seeds: Naturally grown and untreated.
Specifications
- Common Name: Fire and Ice Dogwood
- Scientific Name: Cornus alba
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- USDA Zones: 3 – 8
- Mature Height: 5 – 8 ft (1.5 – 2.4 m)
- Spread: 5 – 8 ft (1.5 – 2.4 m)
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, loamy or clay soils
- Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Fruit Season: Summer
- Foliage Color: Variegated green and cream
- Bark Color: Deep red in winter
- GMO Status: 100% Non-GMO
Planting Guide
- Sowing Time: Late winter to early spring.
- Seed Preparation: Stratify in moist sand for 60–90 days at 35–40°F before sowing.
- Sowing Depth: ¼ inch (0.6 cm).
- Germination Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C).
- Soil Mix: Moist, well-drained garden soil or seed-starting mix.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy.
- Transplanting: Move seedlings outdoors after frost has passed.
- Spacing: 4–6 ft apart for hedge planting.
Care Tips
- Prune in late winter to encourage bright new red bark growth.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- Tolerates wet soils and occasional flooding.
- Fertilize lightly in spring for vibrant foliage and flowering.