Made in New Jersey: Rutgers’ Scarlet Fire dogwoods now sold worldwide with 40,000 trees shipped each year.
Though not scarlet in color, the name honors the Scarlet Knights. The original tree is now 16 years old.
A Rutgers-born tree known as “Scarlet Fire” is now blooming across the U.S., Europe and Australia.
The dogwood, known for its bold pink blooms, was developed at Rutgers’ scenic orchards and has become a standout in the industry.
Though not scarlet in color, the name honors the Scarlet Knights. The original tree is now 16 years old.
Thomas Molnar, who leads the breeding program, says the goal of creating a pink kousa dogwood has been decades in the making. The trees are disease-resistant and built to handle New Jersey’s unpredictable weather.
Rutgers holds a patent on the trees, with about 40,000 Scarlet Fire dogwoods sold each year. The university earns $2.25 per tree.
New varieties like Stellar Nova and Eternal Scarlet are now being introduced, continuing the legacy.
