Cherokee Princess Dogwood Tree

Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess'

Nature Hills Nursery

Pure White Blooms on a Native Flowering Dogwood that Outshines Standard Varieties
Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 20-25 ft Tall, 25-30 ft Wide
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies
Stunning Red, Purple Fall Foliage

$101⁹⁰

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the most abundant white blooms, plant your Cherokee Princess in full sun, which means 6 hours or more of direct light. While it tolerates partial shade, you will notice fewer flowers and a more open, less dense branching structure in lower light.
Soil: These trees crave rich, well drained soil that is slightly acidic. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in organic compost or peat moss to improve drainage, as "wet feet" can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years of establishment, provide 1 inch of water per week to help the root system anchor deeply. Once mature, this variety has moderate drought tolerance, but consistent moisture is key to preventing leaf scorch and ensuring the tree sets plenty of flower buds for next spring. If the tree stays too dry during summer heat, you will likely see smaller blooms and premature leaf drop in the fall.

Pruning Tips

Cherokee Princess Dogwoods bloom on old wood, meaning the flower buds for next year are set during the summer. To avoid cutting off next spring's show, only prune immediately after the white bracts have faded in late spring. Focus on removing dead or crossing branches to improve air circulation, which helps prevent powdery mildew and keeps the canopy looking tidy.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer designed for flowering trees in early spring just as the new growth begins. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages soft, new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost and will likely suffer winter dieback.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Flowering, Fall Color/Interest, Native, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Attracts pollinators, Non-invasive, Evergreen, Drought resistant, Disease resistant
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	20-25 ft
Width	25-30 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White, Green
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Dogwood
Botanical Name	Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess'
Species	florida
Cultivar	Cherokee Princess
Class	Cornales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Make way, for you are now in the presence of royalty. The Cherokee Princess Dogwood (Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess') will effortlessly take your breath away with its immaculate features!

This shrubby tree form will be well-deservingly known as the crown jewel of your landscaping. You won't be the only one raving about the Cherokee Princess Dogwood, you will be impressed by the crowd of butterflies that this shrub attracts.

In the spring, Cherokee Princess Dogwood will sparkle like the jewel on a crown from its pure, white flower clusters before the bronzy foliage emerges soon after. Then this bronzed new growth ages to green and densely fills out the entire tree!

Then as nights turn colder in the autumn, the foliage turns into a reddish-purple coloration that will make your jaw drop! Don't forget the clusters of 3-4 oval red fruits are ½ inch each! Songbirds will flit between the graceful branching plucking these juicy gems from the tree!

Wonderfully cold-hardy throughout USDA growing zones 4 to 9, Cherokee Princess boasts a large rounded canopy that becomes full of four-pointed stars all spring! Once the fall foliage of this deciduous tree drops, you’ll enjoy the lovely bark and the graceful branching when dusted in the snow! If the birds have left you any, you'll also enjoy the red berries peeking out from the snow for further winter interest!

Planting and Application:

Cherokee Princess leaves you with illuminating coloration throughout all four seasons, so treat yourself to viewing this gorgeous ornamental every day by planting this shrub in a visible spot where you can soak in its beauty! Adorn a foundation planting or crown a garden berm with these ornate specimens!

This shrubby tree will sparkle fashionably next to your patio or porch making your house look like the royal palace! Create a gorgeous hedge or elegant property division, or carve out a peaceful nook with an outdoor garden room framed in a flowering screen of Cherokee Princess shrubs! Or Cherokee Princess can be 'limbed-up' to create a multi-trunked tree form with ease that will light up the landscape!

Plant in the Moon Garden for a lovely specimen, or display prominently on a raised mound, underplanted in white flowering groundcovers or low-growing silvery evergreen shrubs! You will gain significant curb appeal and your local pollinators, songbirds, and wildlife gain a royal safe haven!

Large, Pure-White Spring Flowers
Bronzy New Growth & Lush Green Leaves
Ruby-Red Fall Fruits For Birds
Reddish-Purple Fall Foliage
Four-Season Ornamental Tree or Shrub, Lovely Hedges & Specimens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Treat your shrub like the princess she is by planting in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. The Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood Trees grow up to 30 feet tall and wide in optimal conditions! You'll enjoy the most color and the most blooms when planted in full sun! But in hotter climates, Dogwoods appreciates morning sun and afternoon shade! Provide irrigation or regular moderate moisture throughout the growing season with a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the base year-round to keep the soil moist.

Prune Dogwoods to shape when dormant, and remove water growth or suckers after flowering. Decide what you want to keep first, then remove crossed branches and branches heading into the interior of the canopy to open it up for sunlight penetration and air circulation. A bit on the slower-growing side, after all, it takes a lot of energy to be this dramatic and full of colors! But that means less work and maintenance on your part too!

Full Sun & Afternoon Shade
Moderate Moisture Needs
Enriched, Well-Drained Acidic Soil
Prune When Dormant
Resistant & Adaptable Tree or Shrub Form

Make your property look like a royal palace by ordering one, two, or maybe even three Cherokee Princess Dogwood trees for your landscape! Order today at Nature Hills before it is too late!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much water does the Cherokee Princess Dogwood need, especially when young?

Cherokee Princess Dogwood needs consistent moisture, especially during its first 1-2 years while establishing roots. Young trees require about 1 inch of water weekly through spring and summer. Water deeply at the base rather than shallow frequent watering to encourage strong root development.

Is the Cherokee Princess Dogwood disease-resistant, or prone to anthracnose or powdery mildew?

Cherokee Princess Dogwood shows good resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew compared to standard Cornus florida varieties. This cultivar was selected for improved disease tolerance while maintaining the classic white spring blooms. Ensure proper air circulation and avoid overhead watering to maximize its natural resistance. Shop disease-resistant varieties at naturehills.com.

When and how should I prune my Cherokee Princess Dogwood?

Prune Cherokee Princess Dogwood immediately after spring flowering ends to avoid removing next year's buds. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches using clean, sharp tools. Light shaping is best since dogwoods naturally develop attractive branching structure.

Will the Cherokee Princess Dogwood produce berries, and are they messy?

Cherokee Princess Dogwood produces clusters of ½-inch red berries in fall that attract songbirds. The berries aren't particularly messy since birds typically consume most of them quickly. Any remaining berries add attractive winter interest peeking through snow rather than creating cleanup issues.

What is the growth rate and expected lifespan of the Cherokee Princess Dogwood?

Cherokee Princess Dogwood grows at a moderate rate, typically adding 12-24 inches per year and living 60-80 years with proper care. This hardy tree thrives in zones 4-9, developing its full rounded canopy over 10-15 years. Plant in well-draining soil with morning sun for best growth, available at naturehills.com.

Can I plant Cherokee Princess Dogwood in a container or near a patio?

Cherokee Princess Dogwood adapts well to container growing and makes an excellent patio specimen. Its compact, shrubby form and four-season interest provide year-round beauty in zones 4-9. Plant it where you can enjoy the spring blooms and fall color daily.

What is your shipping policy for Cherokee Princess Dogwood trees, and how do they arrive?

Cherokee Princess Dogwood trees ship dormant during optimal planting seasons for zones 4-9. They arrive bare-root or container-grown with protective packaging to ensure healthy root systems. Plant immediately upon arrival or keep roots moist if delaying. Choose a visible location where you can enjoy the four-season interest.