Variegated Loblolly Bay
Gordonia lasianthus 'Variegata'
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Some plants elevate the familiar into the extraordinary, and Gordonia lasianthus 'Variegata' does exactly that, taking the quiet majesty of the native loblolly bay and dressing it in a silken fringe of cream. The glossy green leaves are edged in irregular strokes of ivory, as though touched by the brush of some moonlit painter in the pine woods, and the whole shrub glimmers softly through every season.
This uncommon cultivar was introduced by Bob Byrnes of Trail Ridge Nursery in Florida, a nurseryman known for a discerning eye and a commitment to preserving Southern rarities. 'Variegata' stands as one of the very few variegated forms of this Southeastern native, bringing a fresh, luminous texture to the woodland garden.
Like the species, this tree belongs to the tea family, Theaceae, and shares a lineage with the stately camellias and the storied Franklinia alatamaha. The summer flowers are large, white, and pristine, three to four inches across, with five silky petals cupping a golden crown of stamens, opening one by one through the long summer days as a cooling counterpoint to the heat.
'Variegata' is best grown with care and intention, for Gordonia is no plant for an ill-suited site. The tree wants acidic, sandy soil with excellent drainage and steady moisture, the conditions of a seepage slope or a sandy pinewood flat, and falters in heavy or compacted ground. Where the plant is happy, though, growth comes slowly but with dignity, offering evergreen structure, summer bloom, and foliage that brightens even a shady border, a tree for the collector, the connoisseur, and the gardener who wishes to celebrate the subtle beauty of the American South.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 7–9
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, Sandy, Moist
- Mature size
- Height 10–20 Feet · Spread 6–8 Feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.