Cherokee Princess Dogwood

Yes, Cherokee Princess Dogwood Trees (Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess') are native to North America, specifically to the eastern United States. As a cultivated variety of the native flowering dogwood, this tree thrives in the same regions where the species naturally occurs, from the southeastern U.S. up to parts of the Midwest. Being native to these areas, Cherokee Princess Dogwood is well-adapted to the climate, soil conditions, and local wildlife, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to incorporate native plants into their landscapes. Its presence in the garden supports biodiversity and helps sustain local ecosystems.

Because it is a native species, Cherokee Princess Dogwood is not only resilient and low-maintenance but also beneficial for pollinators like bees and butterflies that are attracted to its early spring blooms. The tree also produces small red berries in late summer that provide food for birds and other wildlife, adding ecological value to your garden. Choosing Cherokee Princess Dogwood allows gardeners to enjoy a beautiful, flowering tree that enhances the landscape while contributing to the health and diversity of native plant communities.

Yes, birds are attracted to and eat the berries of Cherokee Princess Dogwood Trees. In late summer and early fall, the tree produces small red berries that serve as an important food source for a variety of bird species, including cardinals, robins, and cedar waxwings. These berries are rich in nutrients, making them especially valuable for birds as they prepare for migration or the winter months. By planting a Cherokee Princess Dogwood in your garden, you create a wildlife-friendly environment, providing essential nourishment for birds while enhancing the ecological balance of your landscape.

In addition to attracting birds, the berries of the Cherokee Princess Dogwood add seasonal interest to the garden after the tree’s beautiful white spring blooms have faded. The bright red berries, along with the tree’s vibrant fall foliage, offer visual appeal and further enrich your garden’s ecosystem. By including Cherokee Princess Dogwood in your landscape, you not only enjoy its ornamental beauty but also support local wildlife, particularly birds that rely on these berries for sustenance. This makes the Cherokee Princess Dogwood a great choice for gardeners who want to combine aesthetic appeal with ecological benefits.

Yes, Cherokee Princess Dogwood Trees can grow in full sun, but they tend to perform best in locations that offer partial shade, particularly in hotter climates. In cooler regions, Cherokee Princess Dogwoods can tolerate full sun as long as they receive consistent watering and are planted in well-drained soil. However, in areas with intense sunlight and high temperatures, too much direct sun exposure can stress the tree, causing the leaves to scorch or the blooms to fade more quickly. Ideally, planting this dogwood in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade will protect it from the harshest rays while still promoting healthy growth and blooming.

When grown in partial shade, Cherokee Princess Dogwood Trees tend to thrive, producing abundant white blooms in spring, followed by attractive red berries and vibrant fall foliage. The combination of filtered sunlight and moist, well-drained soil provides the optimal conditions for this tree to maintain its vigor and beauty throughout the year. If full sun exposure is necessary, ensure that the tree is well-watered, especially during dry spells, to prevent heat stress. With the right care, Cherokee Princess Dogwood can adapt to a range of sunlight conditions, making it a versatile and stunning addition to any garden.

Cherokee Princess Dogwood Trees grow at a moderate rate, typically adding 12 to 24 inches of growth per year under optimal conditions. While not a fast-growing tree, this steady growth rate allows the tree to establish a strong root system and develop a well-shaped, rounded canopy over time. With proper care, including regular watering, well-drained soil, and partial shade, the tree will reach a mature height of 20 to 25 feet, making it ideal for smaller landscapes or as a focal point in larger garden designs. Its moderate growth ensures a long-lasting and healthy tree that will provide years of beauty with its iconic white blooms and vibrant fall foliage.

To encourage healthy and consistent growth, ensure that your Cherokee Princess Dogwood receives adequate moisture, particularly during its early years of establishment. Adding organic mulch around the base of the tree can help retain moisture and provide essential nutrients to support growth. While the tree grows at a moderate pace, its stunning seasonal displays—white spring blooms, bright red berries, and rich fall color—make it a valuable addition to any landscape. With the right growing conditions, your Cherokee Princess Dogwood will steadily mature into a magnificent ornamental tree that enhances your garden year after year.

Cherokee Princess Dogwood Trees are known for being more disease-resistant compared to other dogwood varieties, particularly when it comes to common issues like powdery mildew and anthracnose. This increased resistance makes them a popular choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance tree that requires less intervention. While no tree is entirely immune to disease, Cherokee Princess Dogwood shows greater resilience, especially in well-drained soils and ideal growing conditions. Proper placement in partial shade, along with regular watering and good air circulation, helps further reduce the risk of diseases, ensuring the tree remains healthy and vibrant throughout the year.

Despite their improved disease resistance, Cherokee Princess Dogwood Trees can still benefit from preventive care. To keep the tree healthy, ensure it is planted in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot or fungal infections. Mulching around the base can also help regulate moisture levels and protect the roots. With its natural resilience to diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot, Cherokee Princess Dogwood is an excellent option for homeowners looking to add a beautiful, low-maintenance tree to their landscape that will thrive with minimal risk of common dogwood diseases.

Our trees and shrub heights are measured from the top of the root ball to the top of the plant. We do not include the root system in our measurements. You can be assured that if we sell a tree at 4 to 5 feet high that after planting the tree will be 4 to 5 feet tall after planting.

You might see our sizes listed as 4 to 5 feet tall. Simply put, trees and shrubs grow. We are always pruning our plants to promote better branching and fuller canopies. This ensures you receive a plant that has been properly pruned to ensure health and vitality. Doing this can often change the height by 6 to 8 inches. By grading trees into 1-foot increments it assures you that you get what you’re paying for. Oftentimes our trees are sold above the height we specify but we never ship a plant that does not make the minimum height we specify.