Cherokee Princess Dogwood
Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Princess’Cherokee Princess Dogwood is a classic white-flowering selection of the native eastern flowering Dogwood, prized for its abundant blooms, graceful branching, and reliable performance. This improved cultivar is known for producing large, pure white bracts with soft green centers, creating a clean and elegant spring display.
In early to mid-spring, before the tree fully leafs out, its branches become covered in showy white flowers that appear to float along the horizontal branching structure. The true flowers are small and clustered in the center, while the surrounding bracts provide the dramatic ornamental impact. These blooms attract early pollinators and brighten woodland edges, lawns, and garden beds.
As the season progresses, medium- to dark-green foliage fills in to create a layered canopy that provides light shade and refined texture. In fall, the leaves turn attractive shades of red to burgundy, extending the tree’s ornamental value well beyond bloom time. Clusters of bright red berries often develop after flowering, offering food for birds and additional seasonal interest.
Cherokee Princess Dogwood typically matures to 20–25 feet tall with a similar spread, forming a rounded to slightly horizontal branching habit that adds architectural interest to the landscape. It thrives in partial shade to full sun, with morning sun and afternoon shade preferred in warmer climates. Adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 5–9, it performs best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with consistent moisture.
Care Instructions:
Planting: Select a location with full sun or partial shade. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in warmer regions.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
Watering: Water deeply and consistently during establishment. Maintain even moisture during dry periods.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
Mulching: Apply 2–3″ of organic mulch around the root zone to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the trunk.
Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Spacing: Space 20–25 ft apart to allow for mature canopy development and airflow.
Maintenance: Monitor for common dogwood diseases and provide proper drainage and air circulation.
As a cultivar of Cornus florida, Cherokee Princess retains the ecological benefits of the native species while offering enhanced flowering performance. Its timeless white blooms, attractive fall color, and wildlife appeal make it an exceptional specimen or understory tree for residential landscapes.
Size: Unless the product is labeled “B&B,” it comes in a container rather than ball-and-burlap. Sizes listed with ‘Cal.’ indicate the caliper of the trunk.
