Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’ (Flowering Dogwood)

One of the most popular red-flowered dogwoods, Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’ (Flowering Dogwood) is a large shrub or small deciduous tree adorned with a rounded, symmetrical canopy and elegant horizontal or tiered branches. In spring, profuse star-like blooms, 4 in. across (10 cm), usually appear before the leaves. Four narrowly pointed, deep rose-red bracts surround the center cluster of tiny green flowers. The blossoms give way to rounded, glistening red fruit in summer, which may persist until late in the year unless devoured by hungry birds. In summer, its canopy of layered branches, clad with ovate green leaves, provides shade and beauty. In the fall, it offers spectacular bright color when its foliage turns attractive shades of purple and scarlet. Light gray and smooth when young, the bark becomes gray-brown and develops a distinctive pattern that looks like alligator skin as the tree matures, adding interest to the winter landscape. A magnificent landscape tree that is more heat tolerant and disease resistant than the species. Prized for its four seasons of interest, this red flowering dogwood is usually trained as a picturesque multitrunked tree, creating a wonderful landscape feature.

• Grows up to 20-25 ft. tall (600-750 cm) and 12-18 ft. wide (360-540 cm).
• Performs best in part shade, in fertile, evenly moist, acidic to neutral, well-drained soils. Tolerates full sun but tends to be denser. Keep roots cool with mulch in summer and provide shelter in exposed locations.
• Deer resistant.
• Great choice as a specimen near patios or lawns, in shrub borders, woodland gardens, or naturalized areas.
• No routine pruning is necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested, or crossing shoots.
• Dogwoods are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases.
• Propagate by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings or grafting.
• Cornus florida species is native from Maine to southern Ontario to Illinois to Kansas south to Florida, Texas, and Mexico.