Hybrid

Flowering Dogwood Cherokee Princess

Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess'

a cluster of white flowers growing out of the bark of a tree

The most celebrated white-flowering dogwood cultivar, Cherokee Princess produces abundant large, pure white bracts that create a stunning spring display lasting 2-3 weeks. This vigorous native tree offers four-season interest with glossy green summer foliage, brilliant red fall color, and attractive winter bark texture. Its reliable blooming and superior disease resistance make it the gold standard for dogwoods in American landscapes.

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

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Zones

5–9

USDA hardiness

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Height

15-25 feet

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Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Transplant

Showing dates for Flowering Dogwood Cherokee Princess in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 ornamental-tree →

Zone Map

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Flowering Dogwood Cherokee Princess · Zones 5–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy to moderate

Spacing20-25 feet

SoilMoist, well-drained, acidic soil with organic matter

pH5.0-6.5

WaterHigh — consistent moisture needed

SeasonSpring and Summer

FlavorN/A

ColorPure white flower bracts, red fall foliage

Size20-25 feet tall, 15-20 feet wide

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 5	—	May – July	—	—
Zone 6	—	May – July	—	—
Zone 7	—	May – June	—	—
Zone 8	—	April – June	—	—
Zone 9	—	March – May	—	—

Complete Growing Guide

Cherokee Princess thrives in partial shade (4-6 hours of dappled sunlight) and consistently moist, well-draining acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5, conditions where generic dogwoods often struggle. Plant in spring or fall to establish roots before stress periods, and avoid transplanting mature specimens, as this cultivar resents root disturbance more than other varieties. While disease-resistant compared to wild Cornus florida, Cherokee Princess remains susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions and anthracnose in poorly draining sites—ensure adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Watch for early leaf drop if soil dries excessively during hot summers; consistent moisture is critical for this cultivar's signature full canopy and four-season display. A practical tip: mulch with 2-3 inches of shredded bark to regulate soil temperature and moisture while keeping mulch 6 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest harboring.

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 15 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12-24 feet, 24-60 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Harvesting Cherokee Princess blooms is best timed when the white bracts reach full expansion and display a crisp, pure white color without any creamy or yellowish tones, typically 7-10 days after the bracts first unfurl. The bracts should feel firm and papery to the touch rather than limp or translucent. Since this cultivar produces flowers in successive flushes throughout the spring season, you can engage in continuous harvesting by removing individual stem clusters as they peak, which actually encourages the tree to produce additional blooms rather than setting seed. A key timing tip for Cherokee Princess specifically is to cut stems in early morning after dew has dried, as this cultivar's bracts are most turgid and long-lasting when harvested during cooler hours, significantly extending vase life in arrangements.

Fruit is a glossy bright, shiny red, oval drupes (0.5 inch) in tight clusters of 3 or 4 that are bitter and inedible to humans but loved by birds. They display from August to October.

Color: Green, Red/Burgundy. Type: Berry, Drupe. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Edible, Showy

Harvest time: Fall

Storage & Preservation

Cherokee Princess dogwood flowers can be displayed fresh in water as cut branches for 1-2 weeks when kept indoors at 65-72°F with moderate humidity. Store cut branches in a cool location away from direct heat and ethylene-producing fruits. For preservation, dry flower bracts by hanging stems upside-down in a dark, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks to create long-lasting dried arrangements. Press individual bracts between parchment paper under weight for 4-6 weeks to create botanical specimens. Alternatively, preserve branches in glycerin solution (1 part glycerin to 2 parts water) for 2-3 weeks to maintain flexibility while creating an heirloom display piece.

History & Origin

Cherokee Princess emerged from the mid-twentieth-century wave of dogwood improvement at the U.S. National Arboretum and related breeding programs focused on enhancing Cornus florida cultivars. While detailed breeder attribution and exact introduction year remain somewhat obscure in readily available horticultural records, this cultivar represents the refinement of native flowering dogwood selection emphasizing superior white bract production and disease resistance—particularly resistance to anthracnose, which had begun threatening wild populations. The variety reflects the broader postwar American effort to develop superior ornamental natives, becoming established as a landscape standard through commercial propagation and widespread arboretum trials rather than through a single documented introduction date or breeder name.

Origin: South Eastern Canada, Eastern North America, to Eastern Mexico

Advantages

+Produces abundant, pure white bracts for stunning 2-3 week spring displays
+Offers reliable four-season interest with summer foliage, fall color, and winter bark
+Demonstrates superior disease resistance compared to other dogwood cultivars
+Vigorous growth habit makes it the gold standard for American landscapes
+Easy to moderate growing difficulty suitable for most gardeners

Considerations

-Vulnerable to dogwood borer and scale insect infestations requiring monitoring
-Susceptible to spot anthracnose and canker diseases despite anthracnose resistance
-Requires consistent moisture and well-draining soil to thrive reliably

Companion Plants

The shade-tolerant plants in this tree's companion list — Hosta, Astilbe, Coral Bells (Heuchera), Wild Ginger, and ferns — work because they're adapted to the same conditions 'Cherokee Princess' creates: dappled light and acidic soil in the 5.0–6.5 pH range. They stay low and don't compete for canopy space, and their root systems occupy different soil depths than a dogwood's wide-spreading laterals. Azaleas are a natural fit for the same soil reasons; just don't let them press up against the trunk where moisture can collect against the bark. Caladiums and Impatiens are solid annuals for filling gaps under the canopy in summer without putting any real resource pressure on the tree.

Black walnut is a hard no — it produces juglone, a root-zone toxin that Cornus florida is genuinely sensitive to, and you can't just move the dogwood away from it. Large maples are a subtler problem: their shallow, aggressive roots run through the top 12–18 inches of soil and pull moisture that a dogwood needs consistently to stay out of stress. A drought-stressed dogwood is also a more vulnerable target for Synanthedon scitula. Mint is low-stakes by comparison, but it spreads by runners and will colonize the root zone — not worth managing.

Plant Together

Hosta

Thrives in partial shade provided by dogwood canopy, complementary foliage textures

Astilbe

Enjoys similar moist, well-draining soil and partial shade conditions

Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Tolerates shade, provides colorful foliage contrast and ground coverage

Wild Ginger

Native understory plant that thrives in dogwood's filtered light and leaf litter

Ferns

Natural woodland companions, benefit from shade and consistent moisture

Azalea

Similar soil pH preferences and benefits from partial shade protection

Caladium

Shade-loving with colorful foliage that complements dogwood's seasonal interest

Impatiens

Thrives in filtered light, provides continuous color under tree canopy

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that can stunt dogwood growth and cause leaf yellowing

Large Maple Trees

Shallow root systems compete aggressively for water and nutrients

Mint

Invasive spreading habit can overwhelm tree's root zone and compete for resources

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Excellent resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew

Common Pests

Dogwood borer, scale insects, aphids

Diseases

Dogwood anthracnose (resistant), spot anthracnose, canker

Troubleshooting Flowering Dogwood Cherokee Princess

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Sawdust-like frass at the base of the trunk or main branches, often with small entry holes in the bark

Likely Causes

Dogwood borer (Synanthedon scitula) — larvae tunnel under bark and girdle the cambium layer
Previous mechanical damage (mower strikes, weed trimmer wounds) that gave the borer an entry point

What to Do

1.Keep all mowing equipment at least 12 inches from the trunk — borer infestations almost always start at a wound
2.Apply a permethrin-based bark spray to the trunk and main scaffold branches in late April through June, when adult moths are laying eggs
3.For established infestations, probe entry holes with a thin wire to kill larvae; badly girdled limbs need to come off

Dark brown or tan spots with purple halos on leaves, appearing in spring shortly after petal drop

Likely Causes

Spot anthracnose (Elsinoe corni) — a fungal disease that targets young tissue during wet spring weather
Overhead irrigation or poor air circulation holding moisture on foliage

What to Do

1.Apply a copper-based fungicide or chlorothalonil at petal fall and repeat every 10-14 days through wet stretches
2.Switch any irrigation to drip or soaker hose to keep water off the canopy
3.'Cherokee Princess' carries resistance to discula anthracnose (Discula destructiva), the more serious form, but not to spot anthracnose — don't let that resistance rating give you false confidence here

Leaves wilting and yellowing on one or more branches in midsummer despite adequate soil moisture; bark sunken or discolored at branch unions

Likely Causes

Dogwood crown canker (Phytophthora cactorum or Botryosphaeria spp.) — typically triggered by waterlogged soil or planting too deep
Root flare buried at planting, which stresses bark at soil level and opens it to infection

What to Do

1.Check planting depth first — the root flare should sit at or just above grade; if it's buried, pull mulch back and carefully expose it
2.Never pile mulch against the trunk; keep a 6-inch clear ring and mulch no deeper than 3 inches out to the drip line
3.Prune out cankered branches 6 inches below the visible discoloration and disinfect your saw between cuts with a 10% bleach solution

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cherokee Princess dogwood?▼

Plant in spring (March-April) or fall (September-November) when temperatures are cool and soil moisture is reliable. Spring planting gives trees a full growing season to establish roots before winter. Fall planting takes advantage of natural rainfall. Avoid planting during hot, dry summer months. Ensure soil is moist and well-drained with adequate organic matter incorporated before planting.

How long does the white flowering display last?▼

Cherokee Princess produces abundant white flowers for 2-3 weeks in spring, typically April through early May depending on your climate zone. The long-lasting bracts create an extended ornamental show compared to many other dogwood varieties. Peak bloom occurs in mid-spring. Weather conditions, especially late frosts or warm spells, can slightly shorten or extend the blooming period.

Is Cherokee Princess dogwood good for beginner gardeners?▼

Yes, Cherokee Princess is excellent for beginners. It's rated easy to moderate in difficulty with reliable blooming, superior disease resistance, and low maintenance requirements once established. The tree is vigorous and forgiving of minor cultural mistakes. It adapts well to typical home landscapes and requires minimal pruning or special care compared to other ornamental trees.

Can I grow Cherokee Princess dogwood in a container?▼

While possible, container growing is not ideal for this tree. Cherokee Princess is a vigorous cultivar that can reach 20-25 feet at maturity, making it better suited for in-ground planting. If you must use a container, select a large pot (at least 20+ gallons), use acidic, well-draining potting soil, and provide regular watering since containers dry quickly.

What sun and soil conditions does Cherokee Princess need?▼

Cherokee Princess thrives in full sun to partial shade, needing at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. It prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter with pH 5.0-6.5. Avoid wet, soggy soil which can cause root rot. Plant in locations protected from strong afternoon heat in hotter climates where it benefits from afternoon shade.

How does Cherokee Princess compare to other dogwood varieties?▼

Cherokee Princess is considered the gold standard white-flowering dogwood cultivar, offering more abundant blooms and superior disease resistance than many alternatives. It's more vigorous than some varieties and produces pure white bracts rather than pink or blushed flowers. Its four-season interest—white spring flowers, green summer foliage, red fall color, and textured winter bark—makes it exceptionally ornamental year-round.