Cornus 'Magic Flame' – A Stunning Dogwood with Brilliant Seasonal Color
Cornus 'Magic Flame' is a remarkable cultivar of dogwood that offers exceptional beauty and year-round interest. Known for its striking, vibrant foliage and unique ability to change colors with the seasons, this deciduous shrub or small tree is a perfect addition to any garden. With its distinctive red stems, white flowers, and fiery red and orange fall foliage, 'Magic Flame' brings a touch of magic to your landscape, whether planted in borders, woodland gardens, or as a specimen tree.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
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Spring: The plant begins to awaken in early spring, with fresh green leaves appearing and creamy white flowers blooming in delicate clusters. These flowers create a soft contrast against the newly emerging foliage.
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Summer: During the summer months, the foliage remains lush and vibrant, with the leaves developing a rich green hue. The plant’s small white flowers transition into green berries, which eventually ripen to a reddish hue, adding subtle visual interest.
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Autumn: In the fall, 'Magic Flame' truly comes into its own. The leaves transform into a brilliant combination of red, orange, and yellow, creating a fiery display of color that lasts well into the cooler months. This autumn spectacle is one of the standout features of this variety.
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Winter: As the plant sheds its leaves in winter, the red stems emerge, adding structural beauty and vibrant color to the landscape. These red stems provide a bright contrast against the winter landscape, ensuring year-round interest.
Structure & Form
Cornus 'Magic Flame' typically grows to a height of 2.5–3 meters, with a spread of around 2–2.5 meters, making it an ideal size for both small and larger gardens. The plant has an upright, rounded form with a dense branching structure that adds fullness and texture to any planting. Its striking red stems become more pronounced in the winter, offering sculptural interest in colder months. In spring and summer, the soft, green foliage provides a lush backdrop to its floral and fruiting displays.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Mixed Borders: 'Magic Flame' fits seamlessly into mixed borders, where it can provide a dramatic color shift in the fall and complement a variety of other shrubs and perennials.
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Woodland Gardens: This dogwood thrives in partial shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland or shaded gardens. It pairs beautifully with ferns, hostas, and other shade-loving plants.
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Specimen Tree: As a small tree, 'Magic Flame' makes an excellent focal point in any garden, drawing attention with its seasonal changes and compact size.
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Wildlife Gardens: The white flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while the red berries are a food source for birds. Its dense growth also provides shelter for wildlife.
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Foundation Plantings: Planting 'Magic Flame' near the foundation of a home or building ensures that its vibrant colors and compact form are appreciated from close up, adding visual appeal to the landscape.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Cornus 'Magic Flame' grows best in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Full sun helps to intensify the red and orange hues of the fall foliage, though it’s important to ensure the plant has sufficient water in sunnier spots.
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Soil: Prefers well-drained, moist, and slightly acidic to neutral soil. It’s adaptable to a variety of soil types but will thrive in rich, loamy soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
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Hardiness: Hardy, 'Magic Flame' can tolerate colder climates and will flourish in areas with moderate winters. It’s ideal for temperate climates and will provide multi-season interest.
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Maintenance: 'Magic Flame' is relatively low-maintenance. Prune only to remove dead or damaged wood, or to shape the plant if necessary. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil moist and promote healthy growth. A layer of mulch around the base will help retain moisture and protect the roots.
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Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support growth and flowering, particularly if the soil is not naturally rich in nutrients.
Why Choose Cornus 'Magic Flame'?
Cornus 'Magic Flame' stands out for its spectacular seasonal changes, from the striking white flowers in spring to the fiery red and orange foliage in autumn. Its compact size and versatility make it ideal for a range of garden designs, while its year-round interest ensures it remains a focal point throughout the seasons. This dogwood’s resistance to disease and pests, combined with its easy care and vibrant colors, makes it an excellent choice for any garden, particularly those looking for a reliable and beautiful addition.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Perennials: Pair with perennials like Astilbe, Hosta, or Brunnera to create a contrast of textures and colors, especially in shade gardens.
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Grasses: Add ornamental grasses such as Panicum or Miscanthus to add movement and texture that complements the bold fall foliage of 'Magic Flame'.
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Other Shrubs: Combine with other deciduous shrubs like Spiraea or Viburnum for added layers of color and interest throughout the growing season.
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Groundcovers: Underplant with groundcovers like Ajuga or Lamium for a lush, low-maintenance carpet that complements the upright form of the dogwood.
Conclusion
Cornus 'Magic Flame' is an exceptional dogwood cultivar that offers beauty, color, and interest year-round. From its delicate white flowers in spring to its fiery red and orange autumn foliage, this dogwood provides striking seasonal displays. Its compact size and low-maintenance care make it an excellent choice for a variety of garden styles, from mixed borders to woodland gardens. With its wildlife-friendly features and vibrant color, 'Magic Flame' will bring a touch of magic and a burst of color to any landscape.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
