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Deciduous & Flowering Shrubs

Prairie Fire dogwood

Cornus alba 'Prairie Fire'

Prairie Fire dogwood contributes colorful foliage in the growing season and red stems after leaf fall. White flowers and pale fruits may add detail, but winter structure is its strongest design role. Allow a shrub around 5 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, with additional spread possible through suckers. Sun to partial shade, moist soil, and summer establishment water support its vigorous growth. In Southwest Washington, leave airflow and access for removing older stems to encourage brighter replacements. This is ornamental Cornus alba, not the Pacific Northwest native red-osier dogwood, and it needs room to renew.

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At a glance

Mature height
5–8 ft
Mature spread
4–6 ft or more with suckering
Light
Sun to partial shade
Hardiness
Generally USDA Zones 3–7

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

Use in a mixed shrub border, informal screen, or group planted for foliage and winter stem color. A generously sized bed allows its multi-stem form to develop.

Where to plant

Allow for a shrub around 5–8 feet tall and several feet wide, with extra room for suckers. Leave access to the center for periodic removal of older stems.

Through the seasons

Colorful foliage is followed by red stems after leaf fall. White spring flowers and pale fruit may also develop.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

This cultivar is Cornus alba, not the region's native red-osier dogwood. In maritime gardens, provide space for air circulation and manage soil moisture, particularly during establishment and summer dry spells.

Soil, drainage & water

Moist, well-drained soil supports growth, and the shrub tolerates moist conditions. Water new plantings regularly while roots establish and provide additional water during extended dry weather as needed.

A little care goes a long way

Growing well, season after season.

Periodically remove older stems to encourage young growth with stronger winter color. Control unwanted suckers and keep enough space around the shrub to carry out renewal pruning without crowding adjacent plants.

Know what to look for

Common growing concerns.

Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.

Leaf spotting or mildew

Leaves can develop spots, pale powdery patches, or distorted growth.

Help your plant thrive

Maintain air circulation, remove affected material as appropriate, and reduce plant stress. Identify persistent leaf damage before deciding on treatment.

Older stems losing color

Winter stem color becomes less vivid as older wood accumulates and the shrub grows denser.

Help your plant thrive

Use renewal pruning to replace aging stems with younger growth. Trimming only the outside leaves the older wood in place.

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