Plant care & info

Family: Theacaea

Common Name: Stewartia

Origin: Most species are native to eastern Asia or southeast North America.

Prefers partial shade, but it can tolerate full sun when provided ample water. Soil should be moist, well-drained, and acidic.

Grows 10-40’ tall and 15-25’ wide.

Insect and disease free.

Exfoliating bark creates a beautiful spectacle in winter after leaves fall and they are at home in woodland settings making lovely specimen trees as well. Their natural habitat is in the understory, so these trees should not be placed in extremely hot areas, and are happiest when growing in afternoon shade.

Explore More Stewartia

Korean Stewartia

Stewartia koreana: Korean Stewartia

White flowers bloom in June-July and are more open than others. Very showy bark flakes off to reveal a patchwork of green, gray, brown, rust, terra-cotta, and cream. Grows 20-30′. Part shade. Zone 5.

Tall Stewartia

Stewartia monadelpha: Tall Stewartia

The common name is somewhat misleading, as “tall” Stewartia is on the shorter side, growing to around 20-25′. White flowers bloom in early summer, densely branched and cloaked in green leaves that turn red and purple in autumn. Bark is copper and peels. Grows 20-25′. Part shade. Zone 6.

Japanese Stewartia

Stewartia pseudocamellia: Japanese Stewartia

White, camellia-like flowers bloom in June, with dark green leaves turning yellow, red, and, purple in fall. Very showy bark shows a patchwork of green, gray, brown, rust, terra-cotta, and cream. Grows 35-40’. Part shade. Zone 5.