Gordlinia grandiflora

The x Gordlinia grandiflora, a charming small tree similar to camellias, combines the qualities of both parents. Franklinia latamaha (Franklin tree) has passed on increased hardiness and beautiful autumn colours, while Gordonia lasianthus is responsible for its more evergreen foliage and the beauty of its large white flowers with yellow hearts, delicately scented. Decorative all year round, this bush with late summer flowering deserves a prominent place in a large heather bed. It requires somewhat delicate care, but it is worth the attention.

The x Gordlinia grandiflora is a small tree from the horticultural family of Theaceae. The tree shows rapid growth and a rather spreading habit, reaching about 3m (9ft 10in) in height and 2m (6ft 7in) in width. The bark is grey with grooves. The foliage is more or less persistent in winter, depending on the climate. It consists of large, narrow leaves, resembling those of rhododendrons, arranged alternately on the branches. They are 12 to 15cm (4.7 to 5.9in) long, oblong in shape, and have a short petiole. Finely toothed at the edges, they are shiny, dark green on the upper side, paler on the underside, and take on reddish and orangish hues in autumn. The flowering occurs after 3 or 4 years of cultivation, once the plant is well established. It takes place between July and September. The pure white flowers with 5 petals, 10 to 12cm (3.9 to 4.7in) wide, adorned with a large heart of yellow stamens, resemble those of a single-flowered camellia. They have a pronounced fragrance, reminiscent of violets. This flowering attracts many butterflies and other pollinating insects.

Gordlinia with its large flowers quickly becomes an attraction in a large heather bed: placed in isolation and in a privileged position, it will amaze many visitors and make the pride of their host who has succeeded in acclimatizing it. Choose its location carefully, preferring a sunny exposure sheltered from dry and cold winds in cooler regions, or partial shade in warmer regions. Capable of withstanding short frosts of around -12°C (10.4 °F), it likes soils that are always slightly moist but not waterlogged, well-drained, sandy, humus-rich, peaty, and acidic, as can be found, for example in western coastal regionbs. To accompany it, choose simple bushes that will not overshadow it, such as dogwoods, a small rhododendron, heathers...