Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood

Light Needs

Partial Sun

(5-6 Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

15-25 Feet

Mature Spread

15-25 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood opens spring with a heavy display of clean white bracts before the landscape has fully leafed out. Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess' is a deciduous native selection that matures about 15 to 30 feet tall and wide, forming a rounded canopy with graceful horizontal branching. Dark green summer foliage turns red to reddish purple in fall, followed by bright red fruits that birds use late in the season. We place it where it can be seen from a window or patio, since the spring bloom and winter branching both deserve close viewing.

This cultivar is known for blooming at a younger age than many flowering dogwoods and for producing large white bracts in early to mid-spring. It was introduced as ‘Sno-White’ before becoming widely known as Cherokee Princess. The tree offers several seasons of interest, from April flowers to fall foliage, bird-friendly fruit, and patterned gray bark on older trunks. Use it as a specimen tree, woodland-edge planting, patio accent, native garden feature, or small flowering tree for lawn and foundation areas with room to mature.

Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood Care

Plant Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood in full sun to partial shade, with morning sun and afternoon shade helpful in warmer climates. It grows best in moist, organically rich, well-drained soil. Slightly acidic soil is preferred, and compost can improve both moisture retention and drainage in average garden beds.

Water deeply after planting to settle the root ball. Keep the root zone evenly moist during the first few growing seasons, as Cherokee Princess does not like to dry out. Established trees appreciate weekly watering during dry weather, especially in summer heat or sandy soil. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced tree and shrub fertilizer when growth is light or soil fertility is low. Mulch 2 to 4 inches deep over the root zone to keep roots cool, leaving the mulch away from the trunk.

Prune Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood after flowering if shaping is needed. Remove dead, crossing, or damaged branches first, then make selective cuts to preserve the natural layered canopy. Avoid stress from drought, trunk injury, and poor drainage, since weakened dogwoods are more vulnerable to borers and disease issues.

Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood Spacing

Space Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood 20 to 30 feet from other trees, buildings, and large shrubs so the canopy can develop naturally. In grouped plantings, allow at least 20 feet between trees. This tree is best planted in the ground, though young plants can be held temporarily in a 24-inch or larger container with drainage while awaiting landscape planting.

Under Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood, plant ferns and hellebores in filtered light and organic soil to match the tree’s woodland character. Fothergilla can sit nearby as a lower native shrub layer, adding spring flowers and fall color without competing with the dogwood canopy. Lungwort and primrose work along the shaded edge of the bed, filling early-season gaps while the tree leafs out.

Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood Information

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