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For Immediate Release

Madison, OH (November 20, 2013) – Commercial Nursery and UpShoot are proud to introduce a new selected native, Firebird™ Variegated Flowering Dogwood.  It was found at Commercial Nursery in Decherd, Tennessee as a sport of Cherokee Brave Dogwood.

What Makes Firebird Unique: Red Foliage and Flowers

Spectacular, juvenile foliage emerges in a fiery combination of red and burgundy. As leaves age, the variegation shifts to whites and greens with a red blush that is persistent throughout the entire growing season. The tri-colored foliage does not burn in the dog days of summer.  As the nights cool and the fall season approaches, red tones overtake the entire leaf.

Like its parent Cherokee Brave, Firebird boasts red flowers with white centers.  The tree prefers full sun to part shade coupled with moist, well-drained soil which is slightly on the acidic side.

“Other variegated dogwoods look good in the spring, but as the summer heat comes on they fade and begin to look rough. Firebird looks fresh and enjoyable all season long. We’ve been growing it for a few years and are thrilled with it; demand is high and we can’t get enough!” explained Jeff Thompson, Nursery Buyer, Eaton Farms, Leesport, PA. “It is a standout amongst the rest of our container grown dogwood crop.”

 

      

“I planted a Firebird at my house last year and this autumn it has unbelievable fall color. It is a slower growing tree, but makes up for it with other attributes. The leaves do not burn throughout the summer heat,” commented Jesse Nelson, Production & Sales of Hans Nelson and Son Nursery, Boring, OR. “Its’ leaves sport a noticeable red color on the edges and the fall color is striking with shades of dark red and purple. Overall, I think it is a great new Florida dogwood variety.”

Firebird™ Variegated Dogwood
Cornus florida rubra ‘Fircomz’

Mature Size	20 – 25′ h x 20′ w
Shape	Rounded, open
Flower	Red with white center
Fruit	Red
Zone	5

“Three seasons of outstanding color. A unique and rare variegated dogwood that doesn’t burn in full sun,” said Keith Gossett, owner, Gossett’s Landscape Nursery, Inc., High Point, NC. “Its intense fall color is unmatched by other dogwoods. Firebird is sure to be a very sought after dogwood in today’s landscape.”

Firebird officially debuted on the new plant runway in January 2013 at the 2014 Western Trade Show & Education Symposium sponsored by the Western Nursery & Landscape Association.

Horticulture Magazine:  2013 Nov/Dec Special Issue New Plants 

The Digger Magazine:     2013 August New Variety Showcase Supplement

American Nurseryman:   2013 Woody Plant Supplement

About Commercial Nursery 

Commercial Nursery has been growing a full color spectrum dogwoods for over fifty years. Set in the Tennessee foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, in ideal growing conditions our soil encourages dense, fibrous root systems. Shipping quality bare root liners, our trees can be potted or lined out. For more information, please contact us at: 931.967.5525 or info@commercial-nursery.com 

About UpShoot
UpShoot, LLC is a boutique horticulture marketing firm offering expert sales, marketing and licensing of new plant introductions to North America, Canada, Europe and Australia.  UpShoot provides a wide range of services including new plant research and development, writing plant patents, trademarks and licensing agreements for growers and breeders, and marketing services to promote new plants to licensed growers, retailers and consumers. For more information, please contact Maria Zampini at 440-812-3249 or maria@upshoothort.com

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