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Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Spacing: 20-30'
- Exposure: Sun/Part Shade
- Deer Resistant: Yes
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Sourwood
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“Sourwood” isn’t exactly a household name, but if more people knew about this exquisite ornamental tree’s charms, it would be as warmly embraced as Flowering Dogwoods and Japanese Maples. In summer, when most trees are done blooming, Sourwood will grace your yard with gorgeous lacy sprays of small, fragrant white flowers that resemble the blossoms of Blueberries, to which Sourwood is related. In autumn, this showboat will light up your landscape with a display of fiery crimson and orange-red foliage that will rival the fall fireworks of any Maple Tree. Add to that its deeply fissured bark that begs to be touched, and you have a four-season stunner!
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Spacing: 20-30'
- Exposure: Sun/Part Shade
- Deer Resistant: Yes
- Show more ›
The Story
Native from Pennsylvania to Florida and west to Indiana, the Sourwood Tree is a wonderful part of our country’s rich natural heritage. What makes it extra-special is that it is the only species of Sourwood (Oxydendrum) in the world. Gardeners in other countries covet our beautiful Sourwoods, but most Americans don’t even know they exist! This elegant tree can be found at forest edges, in fencerows, on streambanks, and atop gravelly ridges in the Southeast. It is one of the very first trees to turn color in the fall, so you might notice it along roadsides in September when driving there—even at 55 mph.
The Details
Honeybees flock to the fragrant blossoms of Sourwood when they open in late June or early July, when most other trees have no pollen to offer. From their gatherings they make a delectable Sourwood honey that you may be lucky enough to find at roadside stands in the South if you’re there at the right time.
How to Grow
Sourwood is a tad fussy in the landscape, but it can be grown well when given what it needs to flourish. Sourwood is in the same family as Azaleas and Rhododendrons, and it relishes the same things that most of those plants do—acidic soil enriched with compost, regular irrigation, good drainage, and a topping of organic mulch. It also benefits from having access to a rich source of beneficial fungi in the soil, which the Bower & Branch™ Soil Enhancer and Fertilizer Element will supply. Site it in a position in full sun for the best flowering and fall color, although light shade is excellent, too. Disease and insect problems are few.
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Size Guide
Scale
Size A
This graphic shows the approximate size and form of the Tree you are viewing.
Size A Trees:
4-5' Tall. Grown in our #8 tree container. This trees shower of flowers will encapsulate your landscape audience for years to come.
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