Stewartia pseudocamellia (Japanese stewartia)

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Stewartia spp.

Theaceae

East Asia and southeastern United States

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Sun

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 5–8

Overview

Stewartia spp. is a genus of about 20 species of deciduous (rarely evergreen) trees and shrubs in the tea family (Theaceae), native to eastern Asia and the southeastern United States. Plants grow 10-40 feet (3-12 m) tall depending on species, with a slow, pyramidal to rounded form. In summer they carry solitary white, cup-shaped flowers 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across with a central boss of orange to purple stamens, resembling single camellias to which the genus is related. The simple, alternate leaves turn red, orange, and burgundy in autumn. Mature trunks of several species, including S. pseudocamellia, develop smooth bark that flakes in patches of gray, orange, and cinnamon, giving year-round interest. Stewartia spp. grows in moist, acidic, well-drained woodland soil in part shade to full sun, and is intolerant of drought, heat, and alkaline or compacted ground. Establishment is slow and plants transplant poorly once sited. Across the genus the trees occupy cool, humid forest and woodland edges, and several are grown as specimen trees for their flowers, autumn color, and flaking bark.

Native Range

Stewartia spp. is native to eastern Asia and the southeastern United States. Asian species such as S. pseudocamellia and S. monadelpha grow in Japan, Korea, and China, while S. ovata and S. malacodendron occur in the Appalachian and coastal-plain woodlands of the southeastern United States.

Suggested Uses

Stewartia spp. is grown as a specimen tree in woodland gardens, lawns, and mixed borders for its summer flowers, autumn color, and patterned bark. Smaller species suit shaded shrub plantings and courtyards. It is used where soil is acidic and moisture is reliable.

How to Identify

Identify Stewartia spp. by its solitary, white, cup-shaped summer flowers 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across with a prominent central cluster of stamens, much like a single camellia. The alternate, simple leaves color strongly in autumn. On older trunks, smooth bark exfoliates into a mottled patchwork of gray, orange, and brown, a reliable mark in winter.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 40'

Width/Spread8' - 25'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

red

orange

purple

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Summer

Flowering occurs in early to midsummer, generally June to July, later than most spring-flowering trees. The cup-shaped white flowers open a few at a time over several weeks, so bloom is extended rather than massed. Spent flowers drop cleanly beneath the tree.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Sun

Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-15 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Stewartia spp. grows in moist, acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, in part shade to full sun with shelter from hot afternoon exposure. Water needs are medium, and plants are intolerant of drought, waterlogging, and alkaline soil. Soil pH should be acidic, roughly 4.5 to 6.5. Most species are hardy in USDA zones 5-8. Growth is slow, and young trees benefit from a cool root run and mulch. Plants transplant poorly, so container-grown stock is set out young with minimal root disturbance.

Pruning

Pruning needs are minimal and are limited to removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter. The naturally pyramidal form rarely requires shaping. Large cuts close slowly given the slow growth, so heavy pruning is generally not done.