Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood

Light Needs

Partial Sun

(5-6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

15 - 25 Feet

Mature Spread

15 - 25 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

A spring showstopper, ‘Cherokee Princess’ explodes with oversized, snow-white bracts that shine weeks before most trees leaf out. Deep green foliage follows for summer elegance, then turns rich burgundy-red in fall, complemented by glossy red berries that draw songbirds. With its graceful, horizontally tiered branching and refined four-season appeal, this native dogwood is perfect for front yards, woodland edges, and focal plantings.

Compact yet substantial, it matures around 20–30 feet tall and wide, delivering dappled shade, wildlife value, and classic garden charm. Low maintenance and landscape-friendly, it’s an ideal small ornamental for paths, patios, and understory plantings beneath taller trees.

Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood Care

Plant in partial shade—morning sun with afternoon protection is ideal. Provide rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil; avoid wet, compacted, or high-pH sites to prevent chlorosis. Water deeply once per week during the first 1–2 growing seasons and during dry spells thereafter; mulch 2–3" over the root zone (keep mulch a few inches off the trunk).

Set the root flare at or slightly above grade—do not bury the crown. Fertilize sparingly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release formula only if growth is weak. Prune right after flowering to remove dead, damaged, or crossing wood and to preserve next year’s bloom. Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9; avoid planting beneath power lines due to eventual height and spread.

Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood Spacing

Allow 18–25 feet between trees for natural canopies and air flow. For a specimen near structures, provide at least 8–10 feet of clearance from buildings, driveways, and walls. Along woodland edges or mixed borders, stagger 18–22 feet on center to showcase the layered branching and to accommodate companion shade perennials and spring ephemerals.

Why Grow Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood?

• Extra-large, luminous white bracts for an early spring display

• Burgundy-red fall foliage and red berries loved by songbirds

• Graceful, tiered branching for classic ornamental form

• Ideal scale for front yards, paths, patios, and woodland edges

• Native beauty with four-season interest; generally low maintenance

• Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9 with proper siting

A timeless native ornamental that blooms early, glows in autumn, and supports backyard wildlife—‘Cherokee Princess’ brings elegant structure and year-round beauty to any landscape.