Jesse Saylor
Family
Cornaceae
Botanical Name
CORNUS sanguinea 'Winter Flame'
Plant Common Name
Bloodtwig Dogwood, Winter Flame Dogwood
General Description
Tri-colored winter twigs of gold, orange and red are the highlight of the exceptional bloodtwig dogwood, 'Winter Flame.' New growth is most brightly colored. Vibrant yellow and orange fall foliage color is an added bonus. This moderately compact cultivar was hybridized by noted Cornus breeder, Andre van Nijnatten of Zundert, Netherlands.
Bloodtwig dogwood is European in origin and develops a spreading, suckering habit. In early summer it produces many flattened, rounded clusters of white flowers followed by small, oval, blue-black fruits that are attractive to birds. In autumn, its green simple leaves turn shades of yellow and orange before dropping. The twigs are also brightly colored and remain attractive through winter.
This shrub grows best in sites with full sun to partial shade and fertile, moist but well-drained soil. It suckers readily and should be hard pruned each late winter, to encourage more colorful new growth and maintain a manageable size. Cold tolerant and tough, 'Winter Flame' may be used as an informal screen or naturalistic garden. Incorporate it into a mixed border or spacious foundation planting with low-growing evergreens for a dramatic winter display.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
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Width
5'-7' / 1.5m - 2.1m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Europe
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Thicket/Colonizing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Indigo, Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Orange
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Bark Color
Yellow, Red, Orange, Dark Red, Dark Green, Brown
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Bark Color Modifier
Multi-Color
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
Yes
