Gordonias

With its large white flowers during autumn and early winter, gordonia is a tree that stands out. Gordonias will grow almost anywhere in Australia except in frost areas in mountainous zones.

Common name: Gordonia or fried egg plant.

Botanic name:Gordonia axillaris . The name of Gordonia came from that of an 18th century London nurseryman called James Gordon.

Best climate: Warm to cold (tropics and south to Melbourne and Hobart also in lower parts of mountains). The Gordonia is from the area from Taiwan to Vietnam. It is placed in the tea family (Theaceae) along with camellias.

Size: Size ranges from a large shrub (2.5m or 8' tall) up to small trees (4-5m or 12-15' tall and even taller). It will spread 3-5m (10-15').

Best look: Striking as a small tree for a garden or a footpath. Also as a large screening plant. Position so the fallen flowers can be admired as they drop around the tree. Can also be grown in a large tub.

Good points:

Large (10cm or 4" across) white flowers with prominent golden stamens. Long flowering - flowers from autumn to spring. Peak probably May to June but varies with location as it grows over such a large area. As an extra show, the flowers fall around the tree 'butter side' up (that is with the stamens up). Pest or disease free. Glossy green leaves which get red tips in the winter. Will grow in sun to light shade. The bark is shed to reveal an attractive smooth satiny tan trunk which is very appealing.

Likes: Sun to part shade, acid soils, good drainage, regular moisture, mulch around root area to stop competition from surrounding grass (very important if tree is grown in a lawn). It will however tolerate dry conditions quite well which is why it is a good choice for a footpath planting.

Down side:

Hard to find a down side. The fallen flower carpet under or around the plant may worry some people - but this should be seen as a plus as it gives a decorative effect. Can be slow growing when young (so buy a big plant if you want a tree in a hurry).

Hates: Competition from grass (although it is often grown in lawns as what's called in the trade a 'specimen' tree).

Care: Lightly tip prune after flowering in spring if a bushy shrub is desired (for example if it is being grown for screening). Fertilise and mulch in spring with azalea and camellia food or any all round fertiliser.

Getting started:

Available at the nursery year round but particularly in autumn while in flower. Prices start at around $13.90 for a 20cm (8") pot to $50 for a 30cm (1') pot. Can also be grown from cutting (semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or autumn). Use a coarse, well-drained propagation mix (50:50 sand/peat). Can also be grown from seed (usually ripen and disperse at peak flowering time) or by layering.

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