- Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 25 - 30 Feet
- Mature Spread 25 - 30 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 9
Sourwood is a low-maintenance beauty that puts on a lush display spring through fall. This deciduous tree, also known as Oxydendrum arboreum or sorrel, is a large plant that will grow about 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Narrow green leaves have a pronounced midrib and a slight bronze hue near the tip before turning a deep shade of red in the fall. During the summer, small sprays of white flowers bloom, dangling from the ends of the branches.
Use this tree in a landscape or yard. This is a large tree, so it needs a big area for the branches to fill in. The leaves are not well-liked by foragers, so this deer-resistant plant will likely retain its foliage. The flowers have a slight fragrance and will attract pollinators. Sourwood is native to the eastern U.S., and once acclimated, this plant requires very little care.
Sourwood Care
Sourwood needs full sun to part shade. Rich soil that is moist but well-drained and has an acidic pH is best. Water consistently for the first growing season, but the plant can sustain itself from rainfall once established. Give the plant a drink during a drought or dry spell. Sourwood is a slow-growing tree, and it needs several years to mature. Once mature, begin to fertilize using nitrate-rich plant food during the fall.
Prune the tree in the fall to maintain its shape. Cut small limbs to create a single trunk and create a tree-like appearance.
Sourwood Spacing
This upright perennial will grow 25 to 30 feet tall, and the branches will reach 15 to 20 feet across. Plant trees 8 to 12 feet apart to create a lush planting.
Sourwood Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9 |
Plant Type: Trees |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 25 - 30 Feet |
Mature Spread: 15 - 20 Feet |
Spacing: 15 - 20 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: Summer |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Deep Green, Peach-Like Foliage |
Seasonal Interest: Fall Interest |
Watering: |
Resists: Deer, Disease, Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Heat |
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies |
Container Role: |
Uses: Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Native to North America |
Brand: |
Common Name: Sourwood |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: OXYDENDRUM ARBOREUM |
- SKU:
- 1231003673-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.