Gordonia Axilaris

• Native to China and Taiwan, belonging to the tea family Theaceae alongside camellias. Highly valued for its ornamental winter blooms.
• Features glossy, leathery evergreen leaves and produces fragrant white flowers with prominent golden stamens from winter through spring.
• Grows as a small to medium tree with an upright, pyramidal habit reaching 6-10 metres at maturity.
• Beloved by gardeners for providing colour and fragrance during the dormant season when few other plants are flowering.

• Water weekly during growing season, reducing to fortnightly in winter. Check soil moisture 5cm down before watering.
• Position in morning sun with afternoon shade protection. Filtered light under taller trees works well.
• Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic soil enriched with compost. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged positions.
• Feed with slow-release native plant fertiliser in early spring. Avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers.
• Prune lightly after flowering finishes in late spring to maintain shape and size.
• Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature year-round.

• Provide morning sun with afternoon shade protection, especially in hot Australian summers. Too much direct sun can scorch leaves.
• Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Increase frequency during flowering season.
• Maintain consistent humidity around the plant with mulching and avoid overhead watering on foliage.
• Protect from strong winds and frost when young. Established plants tolerate light frosts better.
• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove spent blooms.

• Scale insects can attach to stems and leaves, causing yellowing and weakening. Treat with horticultural oil or systemic insecticide.
• Root rot occurs in poorly draining soils, especially during wet periods. Ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering.
• Leaf spot diseases may develop in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Remove affected leaves and improve spacing between plants.
• Aphids can cluster on new growth tips in spring. Spray with insecticidal soap or encourage beneficial insects.