Oxydendrum arboreum

RHS Plant Profile

sorrel tree

RHS 2002

Other common names

sourwood, titi

Synonyms

Andromeda arborea

Shrubs Trees

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A large shrub with alternate, finely toothed, glossy leaves which turn brilliant red in autumn, and small white flowers from late summer

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 20–50 years
Max Spread: 4-8 metres
Max Height: 8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H6

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Ericaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy
Genus: Oxydendrum are deciduous shrubs or trees with oblong or lance-shaped leaves which colour well in autumn, and panicles of small, cylindrical white flowers in late summer and early autumn
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: E USA

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained acidic soil in a sheltered position

Propagation

Propagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free