Gordlinia

A fairly rare intergeneric hybrid between a Franklinia and a Gordonia, x Gordlinia grandiflora is a large, fast-growing, semi-evergreen shrub or small tree grown for its beautiful flowers and autumn colour. Narrow-elliptical, evergreen leaves, dark green above and paler green below, take on shades of orange and red in autumn, but usually succumb to frost in winter. Large white camellia-like flowers with brilliant golden stamens and a light, sweet scent, attractive to butterflies, are borne in late August and September. Gordlinia makes a good specimen shrub, or can be grown among other acid-loving evergreen shrubs like rhododendrons and camellias, but it is not the easiest to grow, and not for colder areas.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Moist but well drained, acidic soil, rich in humus
Position: Best in full sun
Season of interest: Autumn in particular
Hardiness: Fairly hardy
Height: up to 20 (6m) Spread: 15 (4.5m)