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Stewartia pseudocamellia
Japanese stewartia
Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu); mountain forests at mid-elevations in moist well-drained acidic soilsLearn more
Overview
Stewartia pseudocamellia is Japanese stewartia (deciduous camellia), an upright deciduous tree growing 20-40 feet (6-12 m) tall and 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m) wide with a pyramidal crown. White cup-shaped camellia-like flowers 2.5-3 inches (6-7 cm) with yellow-orange stamens and 5 slightly crinkled petals in June-July — pseudocamellia = false camellia. Individual flowers last 1-2 days each but are produced in succession over 4 weeks. Dark glossy green elliptic to ovate finely serrated leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm). Turns red, orange, and purple in fall. The bark exfoliates in large plates to reveal a mosaic of gray, orange, tan, and reddish-brown patches — this multicolored bark develops more on older trees. In Theaceae, the same family as true camellias (Camellia). Native to Japan. Slow-growing — reaches mature size over 25+ years. This slow growth rate is the primary establishment limitation. Requires acidic well-drained soil (pH 5.0-6.5) — iron chlorosis and decline in alkaline conditions. Does not tolerate transplanting well — plant from container-grown stock and do not move. Not drought-tolerant — consistent moisture required. No significant pest or disease problems. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 5-8. Part sun. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Native to Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu). Found in mountain forests at mid-elevations in moist well-drained acidic soils.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen tree and understory tree in acidic well-drained sites spaced 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m). Exfoliating mosaic bark (year-round). Camellia-like summer flowers. Red-orange-purple fall color. Slow-growing. Requires acidic soil and consistent moisture. Non-toxic. Zones 5-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 40'
Width/Spread15' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Bloom Information
Early to midsummer (June-July). White cup-shaped camellia-like flowers 2.5-3 inches (6-7 cm) with yellow-orange stamens. Individual flowers last 1-2 days; produced in succession over 4 weeks. Bee-pollinated.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with yellow-orange stamens, cup-shaped, camellia-like, 2.5-3 inches (6-7 cm) across with 5 slightly crinkled petals; pseudocamellia = false camelliaFoliage Description
Dark glossy green, simple, elliptic to ovate, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm), finely serrated; turns red, orange, and purple in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part sun (4-8 hours — afternoon shade in hot climates). Acidic well-drained soil pH 5.0-6.5. Not drought-tolerant — consistent moisture required. Do not transplant — plant from container-grown stock and leave in place. Slow-growing (25+ years to mature). No significant pest or disease problems. Prune in winter (January-February). Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 5-8.Pruning
Prune in winter (January-February). Minimal pruning needed — the pyramidal form is natural. Remove dead or crossing branches. Do not remove lower branches if the exfoliating mosaic bark is displayed on the trunk — the bark pattern is a year-round feature.Pruning Schedule
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