Tree
Loblolly Bay
Gordonia lasianthus
Varieties We Carry
StandardGordonia lasianthus
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$19.95
7 galFrom$49.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 9.
LightPart Sun, Part Shade
WaterHigh
Mature size35-60 feet × 15-20 feet
About Loblolly Bay
Loblolly Bay (Gordonia lasianthus) is a native Florida evergreen tree in the tea family, naturally found in swampy flatwoods and bay swamps across NE Florida. Large, camellia-like white flowers with yellow stamens appear from late spring through fall against glossy dark green foliage. An excellent native specimen for moist, partially shaded landscape settings in zone 9b. Starting at $19.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Acidic, Wet
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Higher water demand in summer heat.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Light
Loblolly Bay prefers partial shade to partial sun; full sun is tolerated only with consistently moist soil. In NE Florida, site where it receives afternoon shade or dappled light to reduce moisture stress on its shallow root system.
Water
Requires consistently moist to wet soil; Loblolly Bay has a shallow root system and will decline rapidly if allowed to dry out. Plant near water features, pond edges, or in low wet areas of NE Florida landscapes — supplemental irrigation is essential in drier sites.
Soil & Fertilizer
Naturally found in boggy, acidic, organic-rich soils; performs best in moist, humus-rich, acid loam or clay. Not suited for dry or alkaline conditions. Apply an acid-forming slow-release fertilizer (e.g., azalea/camellia formulation) in spring to maintain vigor in NE Florida's often sandy soils.
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Common questions
Is Loblolly Bay a good plant for St. Augustine?
Loblolly Bay is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 35-60 feet × 15-20 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.