Loblolly Bay Plant Care

Loblolly Bay (Gordonia lasianthus) belongs to the Theaceae family within the Gordonia genus. Loblolly Bay is native to acidic, swampy soils of pinelands and bays on the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains of the southeastern United States. Loblolly Bay is also known as Hairy Gordonia, Mountain Laurel.

Loblolly Bay displays an upright, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Loblolly Bay produces large, showy white flowers with yellow centers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Loblolly Bay every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Loblolly Bay thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Gordonia lasianthus tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Loblolly Bay prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Loblolly Bay to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Loblolly Bay every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Loblolly Bay is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Loblolly Bay can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Loblolly Bay while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Loblolly Bay is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Loblolly Bay can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to gordonia curtyana plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Loblolly Bay is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Loblolly Bay grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Loblolly Bay is native to acidic, swampy soils of pinelands and bays on the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains of the southeastern United States. In cooler regions, grow Loblolly Bay as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.