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

Cherokee Princess, more formally known as Cornus Florida, is a dogwood tree that is sure to be one of the first signs of spring wherever it is planted. Cherokee Princess produces huge bracts of snowy white that are much larger and brighter than other dogwoods. It has vivid, deep-green foliage that transforms into a deep burgundy-red during the fall. It also produces red, berry-like fruits that are beloved by songbirds. 

Cherokee Princess is a multi-stemmed deciduous tree with gray bark and horizontally tiered branches. It is a relatively low-maintenance tree and is good for attracting wildlife to your yard. Cherokee Princesses can grow up to 30 feet tall at maturity and be 35 feet wide. It has a low canopy clearance, typically 4 feet from the ground. A native of North America, Cherokee Princess grows at a slow rate and should live about thirty years. It is a beautiful accent to a yard or next to a wooded area.

Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood Care

Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood prefers to be planted in partial shade. Early morning sun is the best to help your dogwood thrive. It should be planted in well-drained, rich, acidic soil. If left in standing water, your dogwood will suffer. Dogwoods are subject to chlorosis, or yellowing of the leaves, if planted in soils with a high pH. You should not plant your Cherokee Princess under power lines. Most dogwoods require supplemental water during the summer and fall. Watering once a week to a depth of 6 inches should be sufficient. 

Cherokee Princess can be planted any time of year from a container if they are watered regularly after planting. They should be planted about two-thirds the depth of their root ball. The soil should be gently mounded around the sides of the root ball. Caution should be taken not to apply soil above the root ball and it should remain above ground level. Most dogwoods do not require fertilizer but if you choose to, use a slow-release fertilizer. Pruning is seldom needed, but if desired, it is best to prune branches immediately after flowering to prevent injury to the tree.  

Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood Spacing

Cherokee Princesses can grow to be up to 25 feet wide, so be sure to choose an area with plenty of clearance before planting, 20 feet apart or more, and six feet away from buildings and structures. When choosing companion plants, plants of woodland-origin, and shallow-rooted spring-blooming perennials are the best choices.