Why Plant Zydeco Twist Black Gum/Sour Gum?
Zydeco Twist Black Gum is a fun, quirky tree that marches to its own tune—a Creole tune in this case! This selection of our beautiful native Black Gum tree, or “Tupelo,” is one-of-a-kind. It has a central leader and a pyramidal form like other Tupelos, but the branches are all kinked and twisted. It’s like a living piece of garden art that will only get bigger and more striking with each passing year. Plant it near your patio or deck where it can be viewed at close range, and it will surely be a conversation starter at your next barbecue (or Mardi Gras party!).
This one-of-a-kind tree changed hands a few times in its youth, and nobody is exactly sure where it came from, other than it was grown from Louisiana seed. Eventually, it made its way into the hands of celebrated Tennessee nurseryman Don Shadow. Shadow wanted to release the tree to the public, but what to name it? The tree’s discoverer couldn’t be found. Todd Lasseigne, Louisiana native and currently President/CEO of the Tulsa Botanic Garden, stepped in. Referencing Creole music, he suggested ‘Zydeco Twist’—a tribute to both the tree’s and his own Louisiana roots.
How to use Zydeco Twist Black Gum/Sour Gum in the landscape?
An ornamental Black Gum tree with twisty, kinky branches grown from Louisiana seed - that about explains the name right there. The kinky branches are what gives this Black Gum its eye appeal. Such a unique habit that you can admire throughout every season. Plant it as a unique specimen in your landscape or even along the street - this is truly an extraordinary variety!
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
How To Plant Zydeco Twist Black Gum/Sour Gum
Zydeco Twist Black Gum is fairly easy to grow in most sunny yards. It does prefer an acid soil, so if rhododendrons and azaleas grow well in your area, this tree will feel right at home. It is not a fast growing tree, but if irrigated once a week and fertilized once a year, it will put out a fresh batch of kinky branches each spring. Don’t be alarmed by black spots on the leaves. This happens to most Black Gums and is only a cosmetic blemish.
How To Water
After planting, give your Zydeco Twist a deep watering. From there, you can water twice a week during the first growing season.p>
How To Fertilize
When planting, it's best to use the Bower & Branch Elements Starter Plant Food. From there, you should fertilize each spring, before the tree breaks dormancy, to be sure your tree has all it needs for a healthy growing year!
How To Prune
Due to its slow nature, it isn't necessary to prune the Zydeco Twist. However, if a quick 'haircut' is needed, the best time to do so is in late winter.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
