x Gordlinia grandiflora
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- gord-LIN-nee-ah gran-di-FLO-rah
- Description
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Mountain Gordlinia is an uncommon, fast growing hybrid shrub or small tree developed in 2003 by Ranney and Fantz of the Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University. It is a cross between Franklinia alatamaha and Gordonia lasianthus. Taking the best traits from the parent plants x Gordlinia grandiflora grows more vigorously and has larger flowers than either parent. The flowers resemble those of the camellia.
It's large, showy, sweetly fragrant white flowers appear in mid summer and last through September. It is semi-evergreen, dropping some of its leaves in the fall, but does have some red-orange fall color on the remaining leaves.
Plant it as a specimen or a near a patio where its fragrance can be enjoyed.
It can be grown as a large, multi-stemmed shrub or as a small tree. Pruning during winter dormancy by removing crossed branches will help to maintain the plants' health. Does best when protected from direct afternoon sunlight. Morning sun with afternoon shade is preferred.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious issues.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- 'Sweet Tea'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- 'Sweet Tea'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Gordlinia
- Species:
- grandiflora
- Family:
- Theaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southeastern USA
- Wildlife Value:
- The fragrance attracts honey bees and butterflies.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Fragrance
- Wildlife Food Source
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Semi-evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Multi-stemmed
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Cup
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- Mildly sweet fragrance, showy 5"cupped to flat white flowers with yellow centers that resemble camellias. Bloom from July-September.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Semi-evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Orange
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Type:
- Sheath
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Undulate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The foliage is a dark green above and lighter green on the underside. The simple, narrow, lanceolate leaves are 4"-8" long with wavy, serrate margins. Older leaves will turn shades of red, orange and plum in the fall.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Can be grown as a multi-stemmed shrub.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Small Space
- Walkways
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Shade Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Flowering Tree
- Shade Tree
- Small Tree
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Diseases
- Insect Pests
