x Gordlinia grandiflora – Mountain Gordlinia(B&B.BW.DR.DRGHT.H.MTH.NB.OP.RR)

Ecosystem Services:
(B)-Birds                                             (B&B)-Birds & Butterflies

(BTF)-Butterflies                             (BW)-Black Walnut Resistant

(DR)-Deer Resistant                      (DRGHT)-Drought Resistant

(EC)-Erosion Control                    (EVR)-Evergreen

(FC)-Fall Color                                 (FRG)-Fragrant

(GRD)-Groundcover                      (H)-Host plant

(HMR)-Hummingbirds                (M)-Mammals

(MTH)-Moths                                   (N)-Nectar

(NB)-Native Bees                            (NST)-Nesting Material

(OP)-Other pollinators                 (RR)-Rabbit Resistant

(SHWY)-Showy                                (SPC)-Specimen Plant

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.