Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Sourwood Tree, 1 by johnnyvino

johnnyvino wrote:
I know a guy that knows a guy that knows a little about sourwood.

Soil is and drainage is everything.- We actually grow them from seed, they are the size of a tiny sliver you can feel but can't hardly see. Sourwood have superfine roots, they love drainage. We used to put the seedling flats on the ground in the greenhouse, and they would die in patterns that indicated where the potholes were under the ground cloth. They would wick the moisture up and rot. So we had to raise the flats off the ground and the problem ceased. When planted in even a remotely low area, they rot. I know they can come up like grass seed on red clay, but often its also on a slope.

I treat Sourwood exactly the same as Franklinia because the root system is so similar. When I plant them, I will make a layered mound out of anything I have such as sand, used potting soil, and dirt. That way the mound can hold moisture, but also drain. I planted a Franklinia in the yard at my moms house, and the yard is very mushy and wet in the winter and spring, but the mound is 3' high and the Franklinia thrives. Sourwood handles the same way and can grow like a weed with little help if it has drainage.

The picture is the root of sourwood that I grow, it will give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Drainage!