Images Depict Mature Plants
Cherokee Princess Dogwood
Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess'
Cherokee Princess Dogwood is admired for its early, abundant white blooms in spring, vibrant fall foliage, and bird-attracting berries, making it a standout in any landscape. Ideal for garden borders, woodland settings, or as a specimen tree, this low-maintenance dogwood thrives in Zones 5-9, offering multi-season beauty and ecological benefits.
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Cherokee Princess Dogwood for Sale Online
Cherokee Princess Dogwood (Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess') is a stunning deciduous tree known for its prolific white blooms that grace the landscape in early spring. This ornamental tree thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9 and grows to a mature height of 20-25 feet, with a similar spread, making it an excellent choice for both small and large gardens. The large, pure white flowers are complemented by its dark green foliage, creating a striking contrast that adds elegance to any setting. Cherokee Princess Dogwood is highly prized for its early and abundant flowering, making it a showstopper in the spring garden.
In addition to its spring beauty, Cherokee Princess Dogwood provides multi-season interest with its bright red berries that appear in late summer, attracting birds and wildlife to the garden. In fall, the foliage turns a vibrant red-purple, adding another layer of color to your landscape. Its graceful, rounded shape and layered branching structure make it a perfect focal point in gardens, along walkways, or as part of a mixed border. This variety of dogwood is also known for being more resistant to powdery mildew and other common dogwood diseases, ensuring a healthy and long-lasting addition to your landscape.
Low-maintenance and adaptable, Cherokee Princess Dogwood prefers partial shade to full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soils. It is perfect for creating a naturalized or woodland garden, as well as for use in formal landscapes where its classic beauty can be showcased. Whether planted as a specimen tree or as part of a larger design, Cherokee Princess Dogwood offers year-round interest with its stunning blooms, attractive berries, and colorful fall foliage, making it a favorite choice for homeowners and landscapers alike.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 20 to 25 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 20 to 25 Feet |
| Classification: | Broad leaved deciduous tree, flowering tree |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to part shade |
| Habit: | Medium branching |
| Foliage: | Green; deep red fall color |
| Flower Color: | White |
| Pruning Season: | No pruning needed |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Tolerates all soil types and full sun |
How to Care for Cherokee Princess Dogwood
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Cherokee Princess Dogwood for years to come!
How do I plant a Cherokee Princess Dogwood Tree?
To plant a Cherokee Princess Dogwood Tree, choose a location with well-drained soil and partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Start by digging a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball to allow the roots to spread comfortably. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, and backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to help the tree settle in, and apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, being careful not to let the mulch touch the trunk. During the first growing season, keep the soil consistently moist by watering deeply once or twice a week, especially during dry periods. Cherokee Princess Dogwood thrives in slightly acidic soils, so adding organic matter like compost or peat moss can improve soil quality and promote healthy growth. When planting multiple trees, space them 20-25 feet apart to accommodate their mature size. With the right care, your Cherokee Princess Dogwood will produce stunning white blooms in the spring, followed by bright red berries and colorful fall foliage, creating a year-round focal point in your landscape.
How do I water Cherokee Princess Dogwood Tree?
To water a Cherokee Princess Dogwood Tree, it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first few years while the tree establishes its root system. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the water reaches the root zone. Deep watering helps encourage the roots to grow downwards, which improves the tree's drought tolerance over time. In hotter climates or during dry periods, increase the frequency of watering to prevent the soil from drying out. Applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree will help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce evaporation, all of which support the tree’s healthy growth. Once established, Cherokee Princess Dogwood becomes more resilient and requires less frequent watering. However, during extended dry spells, it’s essential to check the soil regularly and water deeply if the top 1-2 inches feel dry. Avoid overwatering, as the tree can be sensitive to waterlogged soil, which may lead to root rot. Proper watering ensures that your Cherokee Princess Dogwood will thrive, producing its signature large white blooms in spring, followed by vibrant fall foliage and berries that attract wildlife. Regular watering helps maintain the health and beauty of the tree throughout the year.
How do I fertilize Cherokee Princess Dogwood Trees?
To fertilize Cherokee Princess Dogwood Trees, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just before new growth begins. A general-purpose fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 12-4-8 ratio will provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote healthy foliage, strong root development, and vibrant blooms. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the tree, avoiding direct contact with the trunk, and water thoroughly afterward to help the nutrients penetrate the soil. Fertilizing once a year in early spring is typically enough to keep your Cherokee Princess Dogwood thriving. For an organic approach, you can top-dress the soil with compost or well-rotted manure in early spring. This method gradually improves soil quality and provides a slow release of nutrients throughout the growing season. Be mindful not to over-fertilize, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of blooms. Proper fertilization encourages the tree to produce its signature white flowers in spring, followed by bright red berries in late summer and stunning fall foliage, ensuring your Cherokee Princess Dogwood remains healthy and beautiful year-round.
How do I Prune a Cherokee Princess Dogwood Tree?
To prune a Cherokee Princess Dogwood Tree, the best time is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to maintain the tree’s health and structure. Use clean, sharp pruning shears, making cuts just above a healthy bud or lateral branch. This type of selective pruning helps improve air circulation and light penetration, promoting stronger growth and more vibrant blooms in the spring. It’s also essential to remove any crossing or rubbing branches to prevent future damage and enhance the tree’s natural, rounded shape. Light pruning of Cherokee Princess Dogwood is usually sufficient to maintain its form, as this tree naturally develops a beautiful, layered branching structure. Avoid heavy pruning, as dogwoods bloom on old wood, and excessive cutting can reduce the number of blooms for the coming season. After the flowering period, you can lightly trim to shape the tree if necessary, but always prioritize preserving its graceful form. Regular, careful pruning will ensure your Cherokee Princess Dogwood produces its iconic white blooms each spring while maintaining healthy, attractive growth year after year.
