Sourwood

About this plant

The Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a true gem for any landscape, offering a unique combination of ornamental features throughout the seasons. In late summer, delicate, bell-shaped white flowers emerge on long, arching panicles, filling the air with a sweet, honey-like fragrance that's irresistible to pollinators. As autumn arrives, the Sourwood transforms into a spectacular display of color. Its glossy green leaves transition to a breathtaking palette of reds, purples, and oranges, providing a vibrant focal point in your garden. Even in winter, the attractive, deeply furrowed bark adds textural interest to the dormant landscape. This medium-sized tree is well-suited for a variety of garden settings, from a specimen plant in a mixed border to an understory tree in a woodland garden. Its graceful form and multi-season appeal make it a standout choice for discerning homeowners.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Sourwood prefers acidic, well-draining soil. Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, for best performance. Minimal pruning is required, primarily to remove any dead or crossing branches. Protect young trees from harsh winter winds initially.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.