Cherokee Chief Pink Dogwood

Cherokee Chief Pink Dogwood puts on a spring show of rich, rosy bracts that read from the curb. Its tiered, gracefully horizontal branching creates a sculptural silhouette that looks elegant even after bloom.

Through summer, deep green leaves frame the canopy as clusters of glossy red berries form for fall birdwatching. Autumn finishes with crimson foliage, and winter reveals a fine, layered structure that adds quiet architecture to the landscape.

Cherokee Chief Pink Dogwood Care

Plant in morning sun with afternoon shade, or bright dappled light; 4–6 hours of direct sun is ideal in hotter regions, 6–8 hours in cooler zones. Provide well-drained, consistently moist soil that’s slightly acidic (target pH 5.5–6.5). Water deeply the first two years—about 1 inch per week or when the top 2 inches of soil are dry; mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping mulch a few inches off the trunk. Feed in early spring with a slow-release, acid-loving shrub fertilizer (azalea/rhododendron type) per label rates. Prune lightly right after flowering or in late winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing wood; avoid heavy summer cuts. Hardy in Zones 5–9. Promote good airflow and avoid frequent overhead watering to minimize leaf issues. Many plants are grafted—remove any shoots from below the graft.

Cherokee Chief Pink Dogwood Spacing

For a specimen, allow 15–20 feet from buildings and other trees for a mature 15–25 ft H × 15–20 ft W canopy. For an informal row or light screen, plant 12–15 feet on center. Keep 6–8 feet back from sidewalks and drive edges for branch clearance.

Container growing is best short-term only: start with a sturdy 20–24 inch diameter pot (16–18 inches deep) with drainage, then transplant to the landscape within 2–3 years. Stake only in windy sites and remove stakes within one year.

Why Grow Cherokee Chief Pink Dogwood?

• Deep pink spring bracts that transform shady and part-sun spaces
• Graceful, layered branching for four-season structure and curb appeal
• Wildlife value: nectar for early pollinators and red berries beloved by songbirds
• Low, predictable care with clear watering, spring feeding, and light pruning
• Compact footprint fits front yards, foundation beds, and woodland edges

Add a pop of confident spring color that keeps paying off all year. Plant Cherokee Chief Pink Dogwood and enjoy standout blooms, brilliant fall foliage, and a naturally elegant form.