How to Grow a Sourwood Tree

The sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) has been poorly named for such an attractive ornamental landscape tree. Also known as the sorrel tree or the lily of the valley tree, this dense, conical, deciduous flowering tree boasts small, showy, urn-shaped flowers on panicles and strongly resembles lily of the valley. It's a perfect specimen tree; beautiful in both summer and autumn. Here's how to grow this fragrant charmer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sourwood tree
• Shovel
• Knife or garden shears
• Water
• Mulch or other organic material

1. Select a planting location. Sourwood is successful in Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, prefers full sun and moist well-drained soil. The sourwood grows to a height of 20 to 30 feet and can spread 10 to 15 feet.

2. Prepare the tree for planting. Check your local nursery and garden centers for balled-and-burlapped or containerized trees. Remove all wire and twine used to transport the tree and at least half of the burlap covering the rootball.

3. Dig the planting hole. Prepare the planting hole by digging a hole three to four times the width of the sourwood's rootball and equal in depth.

4. Position and plant the tree. Place the sourwood tree in the planting hole. Make sure that the tree is straight and that the top of the rootball is level with the surrounding ground. Add a small amount of soil to help stabilize the tree in the hole. Fill the planting hole with water and allow the rootball and surrounding soil to absorb. Backfill the remaining soil and water the tree again deeply.

5. Dress the planting area. Spread a generous layer of mulch or other organic material around the transplant and the planting area. Mulching, or "dressing," the site helps to prevent weeds and reduces garden maintenance. Mulch also helps the soil to retain moisture. Make sure the layer is at least three to four inches deep.

Tips & Warnings

• The sourwood is not only beautiful in late June and early July when it blooms, but also in fall. Its graceful, oblong, dark green leaves become shades of scarlet in the fall.
• Sourwood can be tricky to get established because of its shallow root system. It is, however, native from Pennsylvania to Florida and west into Indiana.