Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Princess’
Cherokee Princess is one of the most beloved white flowering dogwoods, known for its abundant early spring blooms and elegant branching structure. In spring, its branches are covered with large, crisp white flowers that brighten the landscape just as the garden begins to wake up. As the season progresses, glossy green foliage provides a lush canopy before turning brilliant shades of red in autumn, offering multi-season beauty.
This fast-growing native dogwood typically reaches 20–30 feet tall with a graceful, oval shape, making it a perfect choice for front yards, woodland gardens, or as a striking specimen tree. Cherokee Princess thrives in partial shade with rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, where it can develop strong roots and vibrant foliage.
Young trees benefit from consistent watering and a 2–4 inch layer of mulch to protect their shallow root systems and maintain soil moisture. Once established, this classic dogwood requires little maintenance beyond occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged branches after flowering.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 20–30 ft. tall
- Light: Partial shade (morning sun, afternoon shade ideal)
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil
- Spring Interest: Large, showy white blooms
- Fall Interest: Brilliant red foliage
- Maintenance: Low; minimal pruning required
Cherokee Princess is a timeless Southern landscape tree, offering the classic beauty of native dogwoods and reliable seasonal color year after year.
