Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' – Bloodtwig Dogwood
One of the most dazzling shrubs for winter colour, Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' produces a spectacular display of fiery orange, red and yellow stems that glow brilliantly in low winter sunlight. A truly unmissable deciduous shrub that earns its place in the garden across every season.
Seasonal Highlights
Fresh lime-green foliage emerges in spring, maturing through summer before taking on rich shades of orange, red and yellow in autumn — a warm and vibrant display in its own right. Once the leaves fall, the real show begins: a striking bonfire of flame-coloured stems in shades of gold, amber, orange and deep red that illuminate the winter garden from late autumn right through to early spring.
Key Features
- Exceptional fiery orange, red and yellow winter stems
- Outstanding autumn foliage colour
- Small white flowers in late spring
- Multi-season interest
- Fully hardy and adaptable
- Excellent for wildlife
Perfect For
Ideal for mixed borders where bold winter colour is needed. Particularly effective planted in groups or drifts for maximum impact. Works beautifully near water features or in damp areas of the garden where the reflective surface doubles the effect of the glowing stems. A superb choice for wildlife gardens, attracting pollinators to its spring flowers and providing shelter for birds through winter.
Growing Tips
Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates heavy clay and reliably damp conditions. Full sun brings out the most intense stem colouration. For the brightest, most vivid display of winter stems, hard prune annually in early spring, cutting all stems back to near ground level. This encourages strong, vigorous new growth with the richest colour. Without regular pruning the shrub will still perform well but stems become less vibrant as they age. Mulch annually and water during dry spells, especially in the first growing season while establishing.
Looks Great With
Creates a breathtaking winter partnership with yellow- or red-stemmed dogwoods such as Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea' or Cornus alba 'Sibirica'. Plant against a dark evergreen backdrop to make the fiery stems truly sing. Underplant with snowdrops, crocus or other spring bulbs to carry interest from winter seamlessly into spring. Ornamental grasses and late-season perennials make excellent summer companions, complementing the warm tones of the autumn foliage.
A truly spectacular shrub that transforms the winter garden with its extraordinary flame-coloured stems, while delivering superb autumn colour and reliable, easy-going garden performance throughout the year.
