Trees

Cornus kousa 'Rutpink'

Scarlet Fire kousa dogwood

Scarlet Fire kousa dogwood. Photo: F. D. Richards / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

Scarlet Fire was selected at Rutgers for unusually strong pink-to-fuchsia bract color and the ability to flower while young. Its pointed, generally non-overlapping bracts form distinctive starry displays in late spring. This is a kousa selection, rather than one of the university's earlier florida-based Stellar hybrid dogwoods.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Size: Height: 20–25 ft · Width: 15–20 ft
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 5–8
Bloom: Deep pink to fuchsia bracts, late spring

Sizes & prices

#7$169.99
#10Plum/Red Lace leaf Japanese Maple that doesn't lose its color$249.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental flowering specimen
Fruit / litter: Raspberry-like fruits fall in late summer and autumn; fermenting fruit can attract yellow jackets and seedlings may appear.
Major issues: Generally less anthracnose-prone than flowering dogwood; scale, borers, canker and leaf diseases remain possible.
Growth rate: Species guidance: slow; cultivar and growing conditions may differ.
Form: Upright, rounded to spreading crown.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Parent-species guidance: Some browsing resistance; not deer-proof. Protect young plants.
Drought: Species tolerates some dryness once established, better than flowering dogwood; irrigate prolonged drought.
Wet soil: Does not tolerate waterlogged soil.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Bees
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Deciduous

Growing & care

Site: Prefers acidic soil and some afternoon shade; avoid waterlogging.
Pruning: Allow the layered crown to develop naturally; restrict pruning to damaged, crossing or diseased branches.
Soil: Well-drained

Sources & photo credits

Rutgers University

www.rutgers.edu

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

New Blooms Nursery

Photo: F. D. Richards / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web. · CC BY-SA 2.0

Image notes: Scarlet Fire kousa dogwood. Photo: F. D. Richards / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.