Gordonia - Loblolly Bay: Evergreen Native Tree for Wet Soil

Loblolly bay, an American native plant, is an attractive evergreen tree with large white flowers about 3 inches across, appearing late spring into early fall!

Much easier to grow than its cousin, the Franklinia Tree, Gordonia is long-lived, as long as regular water is received.

The white blossoms begin as a white ball-shaped bud and open into a lovely 5-petaled bloom with a golden yellow center. The fragrant blooms attract many insect species.

Gordonia lasianthus will reach up to 60 feet tall at maturity. It is native to the Southeastern United States and is found in swamps, bogs, and wet woods. Loblolly Bay is the common name for this tree. It will grow well in any garden as long as regular water can be given.

Hardy in USDA Zones 7-9, Gordonia withstands temperatures down into the teens for short periods of time.

The white fragrant blooms resembling camellia blossoms appear sporadically all summer, attracting many pollinators to the garden.

The Gordonia or Loblolly Bay Tree cannot survive drought so water well in the absence of rainfall.

This rare native tree can be purchased directly from Shady Gardens Nursery.