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Description
Cornus Sanguinea Midwinter Fire, also known as Cornus sanguinea ‘Winter Flame’, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Dogwood family. It is native to Europe and western Asia and grows up to 3m tall and 2.5m wide. This plant has an upright habit and produces bright red-orange stems in winter, which intensify in color during the colder months. In summer, the foliage is green and oval-shaped, turning yellow in autumn.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
Appearance
The Cornus Sanguinea Midwinter Fire has an upright habit and produces bright red-orange stems in winter, which intensify in color during the colder months. In summer, the foliage is green and oval-shaped, turning yellow in autumn. The stems can be cut for floral arrangements and look stunning when displayed with other flowers.
Care Guide
The Cornus Sanguinea Midwinter Fire is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It can tolerate full sun or partial shade, but it will produce brighter stems in full sun. It is suitable for hardiness zones 4-7. Fertilize once a year in spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and remove any dead or damaged stems.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cornus Sanguinea Midwinter Fire is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Aphids and spider mites can be a problem, especially in dry conditions. Powdery mildew and leaf spot can also occur, but these are usually not serious and can be treated with a fungicide. Ensure that the plant is not overcrowded and has good air circulation to prevent these issues.
Habitat
The Cornus Sanguinea Midwinter Fire is native to Europe and western Asia and can be found in a variety of habitats, including hedgerows, woodlands, and open fields. It is commonly used in landscaping and is a popular choice for winter interest due to its bright stems.
Question and Answer
Q: When is the best time to prune Cornus Sanguinea Midwinter Fire?
A: The best time to prune Cornus Sanguinea Midwinter Fire is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Q: Can Cornus Sanguinea Midwinter Fire be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Cornus Sanguinea Midwinter Fire can be grown in containers, but it will need to be repotted every few years and may not produce as many stems as a plant grown in the ground.
Q: How often should Cornus Sanguinea Midwinter Fire be watered?
A: Cornus Sanguinea Midwinter Fire prefers moist but well-draining soil, so it should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: Can Cornus Sanguinea Midwinter Fire be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Cornus Sanguinea Midwinter Fire can be propagated from hardwood cuttings taken in late autumn or winter. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and protect the cuttings from frost.
Related Plants
- Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’
- Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’
- Cornus mas
- Cornus kousa
References
- RHS. (2021). Cornus sanguinea ‘Winter Flame’ AGM. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/64076/cornus-sanguinea-winter-flame/details [Accessed 16 Jul. 2021].
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Cornus sanguinea ‘Winter Flame’. [online] Available at: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a238 [Accessed 16 Jul. 2021].
