Sweet Tea GordliniaGordlinia is a cross between Franklinia alatamaha and Gordonia lasianthus, both native plants to the southeast. Its large, showy, sweetly fragrant white flowers appear in mid summer and last through September. It is semi evergreen, dropping some of its leaves in the fall, but does have some red orange fall color on the remaining leaves. Plant it as a specimen or a near a patio where its fragrance can be enjoyed.