{"product_id":"first-editions-firedance-dogwood","title":"First Editions Firedance Dogwood","description":"\u003ch1\u003eA Compact Native Red-Stem Dogwood for Minnesota Yards\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst Editions Firedance Dogwood (Cornus sericea 'Bailadeline') is a compact native red-twig dogwood — same brilliant red winter stems and white spring blooms as the species, but in a 3-4 foot package that fits residential foundations. Whether you are anchoring a Plymouth foundation, filling a Minneapolis rain garden, or adding winter color to an Edina border — Firedance gets the job done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFirst Editions Firedance Dogwood Plant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCornus sericea 'Bailadeline'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirst Editions Firedance Dogwood\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3-4 ft tall × 3-4 ft wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFast — 18-24+ inches per year\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun to part shade. Best stem color in full sun.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrefers consistent moisture. Tolerates wet sites — excellent rain garden plants.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a). Reliable to -50°F.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTolerates Minnesota clay-loam, wet sites, and standing water. Adapts to most soils.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeciduous — green or variegated leaves, fall color, then brilliant red, yellow, or coral stems standing through winter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliable to -50°F.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerately deer-resistant\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhite flat flower clusters in late spring; white berries in summer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative Status\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinnesota native or native-derived — supports the Lawns to Legumes program\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFirst Editions Firedance Dogwood Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWinter color and structure\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe brilliant stems are the showstopper — red, yellow, or coral against fresh snow makes shrub dogwoods the #1 winter-interest plant for Twin Cities yards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRain gardens and wet sites\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative shrub dogwoods thrive in wet clay where most plants drown. Anchor a rain garden, downspout-runoff zone, or boulevard low spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollinator and bird gardens\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite spring flowers feed early pollinators; summer berries feed birds. Native dogwoods are one of the highest-value wildlife plants for Minnesota landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant First Editions Firedance Dogwood in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFall (late August–early October) is the ideal planting window.\u003c\/strong\u003e Soil is still warm for root development, cool air reduces transplant stress, and the plant gets 6–8 weeks to establish roots before ground freeze (typically mid-November in the Twin Cities).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpring (late April–May) is the second-best window\u003c\/strong\u003e — the plant gets the full growing season to establish before its first winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid summer planting (June–August) when possible. Never plant after mid-October or before late April — frozen ground or frost-heaving kills new roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant First Editions Firedance Dogwood\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDig wide, not deep.\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–3× the root ball width, same depth as the container. Heavy clay benefits from even wider digging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCheck drainage.\u003c\/strong\u003e Fill the hole with water — if it doesn't drain in 30 minutes, mound-plant or break through any clay hardpan to improve drainage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBackfill with native soil + 20–30% compost.\u003c\/strong\u003e Minnesota clay-loam benefits from organic amendment but don't create a \"container\" of pure compost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing.\u003c\/strong\u003e Refer to the mature width above and space accordingly. Closer for hedging, wider for individual specimen plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater basin.\u003c\/strong\u003e Build a 3–4 inch ring around the planting to direct water to the roots. Flatten or remove before winter to avoid ice damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulch.\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–3 inches of shredded bark or wood chip mulch, kept 2 inches away from the trunk. Do NOT use gravel mulch in Minnesota — it doesn't insulate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering First Editions Firedance Dogwood in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFirst Year Watering Schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeks 1–2: Every 1–2 days, deep and slow (15–25 minutes per plant)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 1–2: Every 3–4 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 3–6: Every 5–7 days during active growth; less if rainfall is adequate (Minnesota averages ~3 inches\/month June–August)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStop watering 2–3 weeks before ground freeze\u003c\/strong\u003e (typically late October in the Twin Cities metro) to avoid pushing late-season growth that gets killed by winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Year One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished plants only need supplemental water during droughts (2+ weeks with no rain and temps above 80°F). Water deeply and infrequently — every 7–14 days during dry spells, soaking to 6–8 inches depth. Let natural rainfall do most of the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePruning Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrune in early spring. Stems color most vividly on young growth — cut back ⅓ of the oldest stems each year to encourage fresh new growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between First Editions Firedance Dogwood and similar shrubs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompact native dogwood with brilliant red winter stems — perfect for residential lots. This makes it a strong choice when you want red-stems, native, rain-garden in a Minnesota-tested plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill First Editions Firedance Dogwood survive a Minnesota winter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — 2-7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a). Reliable to -50°F. First Editions Firedance Dogwood is among the most reliable dogwoods for Twin Cities zone 4b–5a yards. First-year plants benefit from a deep mulch ring and adequate fall watering before ground freeze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs First Editions Firedance Dogwood deer-resistant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerately deer-resistant In high-pressure areas like Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie, or Chanhassen, plan accordingly — deer fencing or repellent for the first year is a worthwhile insurance policy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes First Editions Firedance Dogwood tolerate Minnesota clay soil?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTolerates Minnesota clay-loam, wet sites, and standing water. Adapts to most soils. At planting, dig wide (2–3× the root ball width) and amend with 20–30% compost. Avoid creating a sunken \"container\" of pure compost in the clay — the plant should transition gradually to native soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen is the best time to plant First Editions Firedance Dogwood in Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFall (late August through early October) is the ideal planting window — soil is still warm for root development, cool air reduces transplant stress, and plants get 6–8 weeks to establish before ground freeze. Spring (late April through May) is the second-best window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does First Editions Firedance Dogwood bloom?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite flat flower clusters in late spring; white berries in summer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/shrubs\"\u003eShop all Three Timbers Minnesota shrubs\u003c\/a\u003e — full catalog of zone 4-hardy shrubs for Twin Cities yards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/deer-resistant\"\u003eDeer-Resistant Plants\u003c\/a\u003e — for high-pressure suburbs like Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Eden Prairie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/winter-interest\"\u003eWinter Interest Plants\u003c\/a\u003e — plants that look great through Minnesota's five-month winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/find-my-plant\"\u003eFind Your Perfect Plant\u003c\/a\u003e — answer 5 questions and we'll recommend a plant for your yard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Firedance Dogwood Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiredance matures at just 3–4 feet wide, so space plants \u003cstrong\u003e3 feet apart\u003c\/strong\u003e for a continuous mass, low hedge, or rain-garden drift:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRun Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlants Needed (3 ft spacing)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13–14 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a foundation or border accent, plant in groups of 3 at 3 feet apart — the massed red stems read far stronger in winter than a single plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFiredance Dogwood Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh green foliage flushes early, followed by flat clusters of white flowers in late spring that feed early-season pollinators.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean green foliage at a fast 18–24+ inches of growth per year; white berries follow the flowers and draw songbirds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foliage takes on reddish-purple fall tones before dropping to reveal the young stems already coloring up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e The main event — brilliant red stems blaze against snow from November through April, the longest-running show in a Minnesota landscape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Minnesota Native   ✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Rain-Garden \/ Wet-Soil   ✔ Four-Season Interest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arctic-fire-dogwood\"\u003eArctic Fire Dogwood\u003c\/a\u003e — a slightly larger compact red-twig to vary stem height in a winter border.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/first-editions-neon-burst-dogwood\"\u003eFirst Editions Neon Burst Dogwood\u003c\/a\u003e — chartreuse foliage and red winter stems for bold contrast beside Firedance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/first-editions-fiber-optics-buttonbush\"\u003eFirst Editions Fiber Optics Buttonbush\u003c\/a\u003e — a fellow native wet-site shrub that shares rain-garden duty and feeds pollinators in midsummer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/isanti-dogwood\"\u003eIsanti Dogwood\u003c\/a\u003e — the classic compact Minnesota red-twig for extending a mass planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Firedance Dogwood Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiredance thrives in full sun to part shade (best stem color in full sun), handles heavy clay, wet spots, and even standing water, and fits residential beds at just 3–4 feet — ideal for rain gardens, downspout zones, and foundation runs. It's only moderately deer-resistant, so plan on repellent the first year in high-pressure suburbs. Not a fit if your site is hot, dry, and never irrigated — this dogwood wants consistent moisture, so choose a juniper or sumac for droughty slopes instead.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#5 Gallon","offer_id":54148907729201,"sku":"S1045","price":35.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#2 Gallon","offer_id":54179720102193,"sku":"S1043","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/First_editions_firedance_dogwood_2_d4d94b99-203d-44b3-9f18-23cdd08fc6ab.jpg?v=1778267318","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/first-editions-firedance-dogwood","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}