Sourwood
Oxydendrum arboreum
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 11, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Sourwood
Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a slow-growing deciduous native tree of the eastern US, bearing drooping racemes of fragrant white flowers in summer that attract bees and yield prized sourwood honey. It is best suited to zones 5–9a; in NE Florida (zone 9b) it is marginal — site in part shade with acidic, well-drained soil and expect reduced vigor and fall color compared to cooler climates. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Loam, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
In NE Florida, site in part sun to light shade; protection from intense afternoon sun reduces heat stress, as sourwood is at the edge of its heat tolerance in zone 9b (UF/IFAS recommends only through 9a). Avoid full southern exposure.
Requires consistent moisture, especially during NE Florida's dry season (fall–spring). Water deeply and regularly for the first 2–3 years; established trees need supplemental irrigation during drought. Avoid waterlogged soils.
Requires well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5–6.0) — amend NE Florida's sandy soils with organic matter to improve moisture retention. Avoid alkaline soils and high-pH fertilizers; use acid-forming fertilizer (e.g., azalea/camellia formula) in spring. Note: zone 9b is at the southern limit of this tree's range; fall color will be muted compared to trees grown in cooler climates.
Similar needs
Basswood
Shares 5 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Flowering Dogwood
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Fringe Tree
Shares 5 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Japanese Blueberry Tree
Shares 5 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Oakland Holly
Shares 5 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Pignut Hickory
Shares 5 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Sourwood a good plant for St. Augustine?
Sourwood is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 20-30 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.