Japanese Stewartia
Japanese Stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia)
Japanese Stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia), also known as Deciduous Stewartia or Summer Camellia, is a four-season ornamental tree admired for its elegant summer flowers, fiery autumn foliage, and exquisite exfoliating bark. This refined small tree enhances any landscape with its sculptural form and subtle beauty year-round.
Distinctive Features
Typically reaching 20 to 40 feet tall and 15 to 25 feet wide, Japanese Stewartia has a pyramidal form when young that matures into a broad, rounded crown. Its white, camellia-like flowers with orange-yellow centers bloom in early to midsummer. The dark green leaves transition to a dazzling mix of orange, red, and burgundy in fall. As it ages, the bark peels in mottled patches of cinnamon, gray, and cream, offering stunning winter appeal.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained loam or sandy loam
- Soil pH: Acidic to slightly acidic
- Water Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
Ideal Uses
- Focal point in formal gardens or mixed borders
- Specimen tree near patios or entryways
- Accent tree in woodland or naturalized settings
- Vertical structure in Asian-inspired designs
- Four-season interest in residential landscapes
Low Maintenance Care
- Prune only to remove deadwood or improve form
- Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Water deeply during extended dry periods
- Protect young trees from intense winter winds
- Avoid high pH soils to maintain leaf health
Why Choose Japanese Stewartia
- Striking white flowers bloom during summer's lull
- Fiery fall foliage rivals that of maples
- Exfoliating bark adds year-round visual texture
- Graceful form suits both traditional and modern landscapes
- An ideal focal point offering seasonal transitions in style
Japanese Stewartia offers elegance and structure across all four seasons, combining subtle floral beauty, vivid autumn color, and captivating bark into a timeless focal point for sophisticated landscapes.
OUR SIZING
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