treeN. America Native

Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood

Name: Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood
Brand: Cornus
Availability: InStock

Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess'

$99.67

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Medium-lived tree

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Fruit is mildly toxic to humans if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus florida, the flowering dogwood, is a small, deciduous understory tree native to eastern North America. It is celebrated for its large, showy bracts in spring, graceful tiered branching, and red-purple fall color. 'Cherokee Princess' is a classic cultivar renowned for its exceptionally large, pure white bracts and its floriferous nature, often blooming at a younger age than the species. It is a vigorous grower with a classic dogwood form.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

One of the most beautiful native flowering trees, offering four seasons of interest with large spring flowers (bracts), elegant summer foliage, brilliant fall color, and a graceful winter structure with glossy red berries.

Its small stature and broad, spreading habit make it an ideal specimen tree for residential landscapes, patios, and woodland edges where it provides light shade.

The bright red berries are a high-fat, energy-rich food source for dozens of bird species, including robins, thrushes, and cedar waxwings. It is also a host plant for the spring azure butterfly.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$99.67

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$119.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Ensure the soil is acidic, rich in organic matter, and well-drained.
Dig a wide, shallow hole, no deeper than the root ball.
Set the tree so its root flare is slightly above the soil line.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
Apply a generous layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Dogwoods are shallow-rooted; a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch is crucial to keep roots cool and moist.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in acidic soil rich with organic matter.
Provide consistent moisture, especially during droughts.
Mulch annually with compost or leaf mold.
Site the tree where its horizontal branching can be appreciated.

Don't

Don't plant in heavy, wet, or alkaline soils.
Don't damage the thin bark with mowers or string trimmers.
Don't fertilize heavily; use a light hand in spring if needed.
Don't let the root zone dry out in summer.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Classic understory tree for woodland gardensStunning spring specimen for lawnsFocal point near a patio or deck

Companion Plants

Azalea Rhododendron Hosta Heuchera Athyrium niponicum (Japanese Painted Fern)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood questions

What zones can Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood grow in?

Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood deer resistant?

Yes — Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood bloom?

Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood need full sun?

Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.