loblolly bay
Gordonia lasianthus
USDA zones7 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size30 to 60 feet tall10 to 15 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Shrub
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Dark green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus) is an evergreen tree for rain gardens and low maintenance landscapes. It is hardy to USDA zone 7, or down to 0°F (-18°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The large white flowers are fragrant and look like camellia blooms, with golden stamens in the center. It does not tolerate drought, and young plants can get root rot. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything.
Pairs well with Sweet bay magnolia, Virginia sweetspire, American holly, and Black gum.
Native range
AL, FL, GA, MS, and 2 more places. See all 6
AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, and SC.