Trees
Stewartia, Genus, ovata, Species,
- Genus & species
Mountain camellia
Overview
Stewartia ovata is a deciduous large shrub or small tree, 10–15 feet (3–4.6 m) tall and 8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m) wide, with a multi-stemmed, open, rounded habit. Leaves are alternate, ovate to elliptic, 3–5 inches (7.5–13 cm) long, finely toothed, dark green above and paler with soft hairs beneath. Bark is smooth and grey-brown, flaking less than in S. pseudocamellia. Flowers are white, 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) across, with five crinkled petals and a dense central boss of orange anthers on purple-tinged filaments. Fruit is a woody, five-valved, pointed capsule about 0.75 inch (2 cm) long that persists after leaf drop. Fall foliage ranges from orange to red-purple. Growth is slow at 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) per year. The species is shallow-rooted and dislikes disturbance, dry soil, and alkaline conditions, and young plants are prone to leaf scorch in hot afternoon sun.
Native Range
Native to the southeastern United States, from Kentucky and Virginia south to Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, growing in moist woodland along streams in the Appalachian foothills and Piedmont.Suggested Uses
Used as an understory tree or large shrub in woodland gardens, spaced 8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m) from other plants. Grown with rhododendrons and other acid-soil plants in shaded borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 15'
Width/Spread8' - 12'
Bloom Information
Blooms from late June through July, with individual flowers lasting 1–2 days and new buds opening over 3–4 weeks. Flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils along the branches. Plants begin flowering at 3–5 years from planting.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with orange anthersFoliage Description
Dark green, paler beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part shade to full sun in cool climates, with afternoon shade in zones 7–8. Requires acidic (pH 5.0–6.0), moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA zones 5–8. Roots are shallow, and a 3-inch (7.5 cm) mulch layer maintains soil moisture. Plants receive about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week in dry weather. Alkaline soil causes leaf chlorosis, and transplanting is most successful in early spring when plants are small.Pruning
Requires little pruning beyond removal of dead, crossing, or damaged branches in late winter. Lower branches can be removed to expose the trunk on tree-form plants. Heavy pruning is avoided because regrowth is slow.Pruning Schedule
Prune: February–March
winter
Container Growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons
