sourwood

Sourwood requires moderate to regular watering when young and newly planted. Young plants should be watered once a week, allowing the soil to almost dry out between waterings. During hot and sunny weather, water more often as needed to keep the soil moist but not wet. Adult plants may need water only every 2 or 3 weeks during the spring and summer. Water slowly and deeply to keep the root zone consistently moist and encourage deep rooting. During the fall and winter, watering can be reduced to once a month or less, as long as the soil does not dry out completely.

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) thrives in full sunlight and any amount of shade will dramatically reduce its growth. This plant species is best suited to an area that receives sun throughout most of the day and becomes a strong source of natural shade. During the summer months, Sourwood should receive 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Early morning and late afternoon sun is ideal for providing additional nutrients. Sourwood also thrives in partial shade but should be protected from the afternoon sun during the peak of summer temperatures. During the winter months, Sourwood will benefit from at least 4 hours of sunlight to keep it in peak condition.

Sourwood is an attractive, medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow to be 30 feet tall. It is an excellent choice for ornamental landscape and garden use. Pruning should be done on a regular basis to keep the tree shapely and to encourage blooming. Pruning should be done late winter or early spring when the tree is still dormant. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches as well as any branches that are crossing each other or growing toward the center of the tree. Cut the branches back to a lateral branch or to the main stem to maintain a pleasing shape. Pruning should be done cautiously on sourwood as it has a tendency to bloom on the current season's growth. If necessary, remove up to 1 third of the live growth each year. Avoid cutting more than 1 third to help promote flowering.