Arctic Fire® Yellow Dogwood

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

4-5 Feet

Mature Spread

5-6 Feet

Growing Zones

2 to 7

Arctic Fire® Yellow Dogwood lights up winter plantings with bright yellow stems after the leaves have fallen. Cornus sericea 'SMNCSBD' grows about 4 to 5 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide, forming an upright deciduous shrub with dark green summer foliage. White late-spring flower clusters are followed by white berries, adding seasonal value before the golden stems take over in cold weather. Our landscape designer uses it in winter gardens and mixed shrub borders where stem color can carry the planting through the quiet months.

This North American native selection offers the durability of red-twig dogwood with a yellow-stemmed twist. The best stem color appears on one- and two-year-old growth, while older stems gradually turn corky and brown. Arctic Fire® Yellow Dogwood is deer resistant, salt tolerant, shade tolerant, and adaptable to a wide range of soils. Plant it in masses, winter borders, naturalized areas, shrub screens, cutting gardens, moist low spots, and large containers for seasonal porch or patio displays.

Arctic Fire® Yellow Dogwood Care

Plant Arctic Fire® Yellow Dogwood in full sun to part shade, with more sun encouraging the strongest stem color. It grows in clay, loam, or sandy soil and adapts to acidic, neutral, or alkaline pH. Moist, well-drained soil is best, though this dogwood can also handle periodically wet soil better than many ornamental shrubs.

Water thoroughly after planting, and provide regular moisture while the roots spread into the surrounding soil. Once established, Arctic Fire® Yellow Dogwood can tolerate short dry periods, but grows fuller in soil that stays moderately moist. Fertilize in early spring with a granular tree and shrub fertilizer if growth is light or the planting is in poor soil. Mulch 2 to 3 inches deep over the root zone to conserve moisture and help protect roots in winter.

Prune Arctic Fire® Yellow Dogwood in early spring before new growth begins. To renew the brightest stem color, remove one-third of the oldest stems at ground level each year, or cut the whole plant back to short stubs every other year. Use the pruned yellow stems in winter arrangements, and allow some older growth to remain when the shrub is serving as a screen.

Arctic Fire® Yellow Dogwood Spacing

Space Arctic Fire® Yellow Dogwood 5 to 6 feet apart for mass plantings, winter borders, or informal screening. Allow 6 to 7 feet between plants when each shrub should keep a separate upright outline. For containers, choose a large pot at least 20 to 24 inches wide with drainage holes, and water regularly because container-grown dogwoods dry faster than in-ground shrubs.

In moist borders, plant Arctic Fire® Yellow Dogwood with summersweet and buttonbush for spring-to-summer flowers and wildlife value. Let Joe Pye Weed rise around the dogwood in sunny rain gardens, adding late-season flowers before the yellow stems become the focus. In part shade, astilbe and ferns can cover the lower layer with foliage and flowers that suit cool, consistently moist soil.

Restricted States: FL.

Simple Plant Spacing Calculator

Planting Shape

Rectangle Circle Known Area

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Diameter (ft)

Or enter radius below

Radius (ft)

Known Area (sq ft)

Plant Spacing On-Center (in)

Pattern

Square (grid) Triangular (staggered)

Fill edge gaps (max plants)

Enter area to see results.

Visual Preview

Print / Save PDF

Powered by