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x Gordlinia grandiflora

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
gord-LIN-nee-ah gran-di-FLO-rah
Description

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:
#showy flowers#small tree#fragrant flowers#specimen#white flowers#winter interest#fall interest#flowering tree#fast growing#large shrub#nci#frost tolerant#flowers midsummer#flowers late summer#fall color red#fall color orange#patio
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Sweet Tea'
Tags:
#showy flowers#small tree#fragrant flowers#specimen#white flowers#winter interest#fall interest#flowering tree#fast growing#large shrub#nci#frost tolerant#flowers midsummer#flowers late summer#fall color red#fall color orange#patio
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Can be grown as a multi-stemmed shrub.
  • 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