Cornus Sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire', also known as Cornel 'Midwinter Fire', is a beautiful ornamental shrub that shines especially in the winter months with its striking, brightly colored branches.
Some characteristics and care tips for this plant are:
Botanical name: Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'
Dutch name: Cornel 'Midwinter Fire'
Type of plant: Shrub, deciduous
Height: 1.5 - 2 meters
Width: 1.5 - 2 meters
Growth habit: Bushy and wide-spreading
Leaves: Green in spring and summer, changing to orange-red and purple in autumn
Flowers: May - June with small, white flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters
Fruits: Dark purple, berry-like fruits that attract birds
Bark: The branches turn beautifully orange, red, and yellow in winter, making this shrub particularly attractive
Location: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; also tolerates dry soil reasonably well
pH value: Neutral to calcareous
Pruning:
To promote the bright branch color, prune the shrub back significantly in early spring (March - April).
It is advisable to cut back 1/3 of the oldest branches annually to stimulate new shoots.
Pruning to about 10-15 cm above the ground encourages vigorous growth of young branches with the most beautiful colors.
Watering:
Young plants need sufficient water to root well.
Mature plants tolerate temporary drought well.
Fertilizing:
Applying an organic fertilizer or compost in spring promotes healthy growth and beautiful branch colors.
Winter hardiness:
Very winter hardy (down to about -25°C), making it suitable for our climate.
Diseases and pests:
Generally not very susceptible to diseases. Check occasionally for aphids and fungi in wet weather.
Application in the garden:
-
Ideal as a solitary plant, in mixed borders, or as a hedge plant
-
Perfectly combines with other winter-coloring shrubs such as Cornus alba 'Sibirica' or Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea'
-
Fits well in natural gardens and attracts birds and insects
