
The princess dogwood tree is a stunning addition to any garden or landscape. It's a flowering tree that's native to Asia and can grow up to 25 feet tall.
To plant a princess dogwood tree, it's essential to choose a location with full sun to partial shade. The tree prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, but it will thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
With proper care, a princess dogwood tree can grow rapidly, adding 3 to 5 feet of new growth each year. It's also relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
As the tree matures, it will produce showy white flowers in the spring, followed by red berries that attract birds and other wildlife.
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Why Plant?
The Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood is a stunning tree that deserves a prominent spot in your landscape. Its large, white flower bracts appear in early spring, and its foliage displays shades of bronzy-green or yellow-green before maturing to dark green throughout summer.
This tree is a multi-season stunner, and its beauty is undeniable. The cooler fall season brings out red to reddish-purple hues, making it a true showstopper.
It's worth noting that the Cherokee people have never had princesses, so the "Cherokee Princess" name might be a bit of a misnomer. However, many tree experts consider this tree to be the Queen of the Flowering Dogwoods due to its lavish and dependable flower display.
The origin of this tree is a bit of a mystery, with some claiming it was discovered in Kentucky by J.C. Higden, while others insist it was found by Hawkersmith and Sons in Tennessee and listed in their 1959 catalog as "Sno-White."
Planting and Care
To plant your Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood, choose a spot with enough morning sun and afternoon shade. This will help your tree thrive in the warmer temperatures it prefers.
Dig a hole to plant your tree at the same depth as the container size but two-thirds the length of the root ball. This will give your tree's roots enough room to grow.
The tree needs well-drained soil, so avoid planting it in standing water. Wet feet can cause root rot and kill your tree.
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How to Plant

Planting your Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood in the right spot is key to its success. Choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade.
The tree prefers acidic soil conditions, so make sure your soil is suitable. You can transplant your Dogwood at any time of the year, but if it's bare root or burlap, do it in late fall or early spring.
Dig a hole that's the same depth as the container size, but two-thirds the length of the root ball. Place the root ball in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is a few inches above ground level.
Water your tree regularly until the root ball establishes. Plant your Dogwood at least 20 feet apart from power lines or foundations, as it can grow wide and tall.
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Tree Care Guide
The Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood is a relatively low-maintenance tree that loves slightly acidic soil and morning sun. It's perfect for those who want a beautiful tree with minimal fuss.

This tree thrives in acidic soils amended with some humus or compost, and needs well-drained soil allowing excess water to drain away from the root system. Don't worry if you're not sure what that means, just make sure your soil isn't too dense or waterlogged.
The Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood grows to about 30 feet tall, with a 35 foot spread at maturity, making it a great addition to any landscape. It's a flowering tree, with tiny yellow flowers surrounded by larger, white, leaf-like structures called bracts.
In terms of watering, your young Dogwoods require supplemental water during the first growing season, mainly if no rainfall exists. And remember, your tree must not be in standing water, as this can cause root rot and kill the tree.
The Cherokee Princess thrives in partial shade, and requires rich, acidic soils. It's also a good idea to plant your tree in a sheltered area, safe from harsh winds and pollution. A thick mulch ring around your trees is always recommended, and the Dogwood tree will especially benefit from the extra protection in extreme temperatures.
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Tree Maintenance
The Cherokee Princess is a relatively low-maintenance tree that thrives in slightly acidic soil and morning sun. This makes it a great choice for many gardeners.
To keep your tree healthy, prune it after the white flowers fade and it becomes dormant in late summer. This is the best time to eliminate injured branches or insect-infested parts of the tree.
Removing dead or injured branches allows for new growth in spring, giving your tree a fresh start.
Watering Trees
Your young Dogwoods require supplemental water during the first growing season, mainly if no rainfall exists.
The Dogwood tree has shallow roots, and regular watering helps to prevent the roots from drying out.
Make sure your trees are not in standing water, as this can cause root rot and lead to the tree's death.
The Cherokee Princess thrives in growing zones 5-8, but temperatures should not drop below -15°F.
Regular watering is essential to prevent the roots from drying out, especially in the first growing season.
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Your trees need at least six hours of bright indirect light, which also helps prevent the leaves from becoming crispy.
With wet feet, your tree will get root rot causing it to die.
You can fertilize your larger trees twice a year in spring and fall using balanced shrubs or tree slow-release fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning is a crucial part of tree maintenance, and the best time to do it is after the flowers fade and your tree becomes dormant in late summer, as it will not bleed sap.
You can eliminate injured branches or insect-infested parts of the tree to promote new growth in the spring.
Removing dead or injured branches allows for new growth in the spring, giving your tree a fresh start.
Pruning at the right time, like late summer, helps prevent the tree from bleeding sap, making the process less messy and less stressful for the tree.
Eliminating injured branches or insect-infested parts of the tree will help keep your tree healthy and thriving.
Additional reading: Dogwood Tree Growth Rate
Tree Details
The Cherokee Princess Dogwood tree is a stunning addition to any landscape. It grows to be about 20-30 feet tall, with a spread of 15-35 feet at maturity.
This flowering tree produces an early, heavy bloom, with tiny yellow flowers surrounded by larger, white, leaf-like structures called bracts. The 'Cherokee Princess' cultivar is recommended for its generous foliage and early blooming.
The tree does best in partial shade and requires rich, acidic soils. It's not a fan of standing water, so make sure to plant it in a spot that drains well.
Here are some key details about the Cherokee Princess Dogwood tree:
- Height: 20-30 ft
- Spread: 15-35 ft
- Light: Part shade
- Soil: Average-Moist, Well drained
- Zone: 5-9
- Deer resistance: Low
In the fall, the leaves turn a dark shade of red, and the tree produces inedible red fruit that may attract wildlife. The tree will thrive in a sheltered area, safe from harsh winds and pollution.
Common Issues
Aphids and powdery mildew are common concerns with the Princess Dogwood tree, but you can prevent them by applying a fungicide or horticultural oil.
Finding a full sun spot with partial shade and ample air circulation can help prevent diseases from taking hold.
Powdery mildew can be a problem, but with proper care, it can be kept under control.
Dogwood Anthracnose fungus can be identified by light brown spots on the foliage that spread to the twigs and main branches to the trunk.
Keeping the area around the trunk clear of debris and fallen leaves can help prevent the spread of disease.
Regular raking away of leaves and debris at the base of the tree can make a big difference.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of the dogwood tree?
Dogwood trees have limited sun tolerance and may suffer from leaf browning in hot or dry conditions. They require additional moisture or afternoon shade to thrive.
Can Cherokee Princess dogwood take full sun?
Yes, Cherokee Princess dogwood can tolerate full sun, but it also thrives in partial sun to partial shade conditions.
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