Arctic Fire (Cornus stolonifera 'Arctic Fire®') is a compact selection of red-twig dogwood grown for its brilliant red winter stems and dependable landscape performance. You get strong cold-season color when the leaves drop, plus creamy-white flower clusters in late spring followed by pale berries that can draw birds. In fall, the foliage often turns burgundy-red before dropping, adding another season of interest.
Plant it where you can see the stems in winter, such as near an entry, along a border, or against evergreens. Give it full sun to part shade; full sun typically improves stem color, while some afternoon shade can help in hot-summer sites. This shrub adapts to many soils but is happiest in organically rich ground with consistent moisture, and it also tolerates wetter spots better than many shrubs.
At maturity it stays about 36-48 inches tall and is typically similar in width, making it easy to fit into smaller gardens. For the brightest stem color, prune in late winter or early spring: remove a portion of the oldest stems to encourage new shoots, or cut the plant back hard on a cycle if you prefer a simpler routine. Mulch to hold moisture, water during establishment, and allow room for good air flow. Once established, it makes an excellent four-season accent for borders, mass plantings, and mixed shrub plantings.