Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess'

RHS Plant Profile
flowering dogwood 'Cherokee Princess'
Shrubs Trees

A well branched and dense, outward spreading deciduous shrub or small tree, up to 4m in height. Large pointed leaves, rounded at the base, are pale to mid-green, turning coppery-red in autumn. Heavily floriferous, in May, large blooms, 12cm in diameter, of petal-like, snow-white, notched bracts surround a small, loose cluster of yellowish-green flowers. Narrow, red fruits are borne in late summer.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cornaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Genus
Cornus can be deciduous shrubs or trees, or creeping, woody-based perennials, some with brightly coloured young stems. Tiny flowers are borne in dense clusters, sometimes with showy bracts. Many have fine autumn colour
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose diseases