Gordonia lasianthus

Common Names

Loblolly Bay, Loblolly-Bay, Holly-Bay, Bay

Summary

Gordonia lasianthus, commonly known as loblolly bay, is an evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States. It typically grows 30–60 ft tall with a 10–15 ft spread and a columnar to pyramidal crown, bearing leathery, glossy dark green leaves with pale undersides and large, fragrant white flowers 2–3 inches across that bloom from spring to summer, with senescing leaves turning bright red and woody capsules as fruits. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and moist to wet, acidic soils, tolerating clay but not drought, requiring regular irrigation in dry periods. It tolerates wet sites but not permanent flooding or salt spray, and is well suited as a specimen plant or in groupings near ponds or bog gardens; propagation is by seed or cuttings, and hardy in USDA zones 8A–9B.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

30-60 feet

Spread

10-15 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7–9

Sunlight Requirements

Best in partial shade; can tolerate full sun with sufficient moisture.

Soil Type

Acidic, poorly drained (swampy) soils with a near-surface water table.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil (good drainage) is ideal.

Soil pH

Acidic soil, pH below 6.0

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

April to October

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color; evergreen with glossy dark-green leaves.

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Medium, about 0.3–0.6 m per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators (flies), and birds