Japanese Stewartia

(Stewartia pseudocamellia)

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 30 to 40 feet
Spread: 20 to 25 feet
Shape: Upright

Glossy, dark green leaves turn yellow to reddish- purple in the fall. Large, white flowers bloom in summer, and the bark is ornamental.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 7 to 9
Light: Partial shade
Moisture: Wet or moist
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 6.0

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include specimen plant.

Planting Notes:

Difficult to transplant.
Plant only small trees and place them in a protected location in acid soil that has an adequate water supply.

Care:

Easy to maintain once root system is established.
Rarely needs pruning.

Problems:

No serious problems.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Related species:
STEWARTIA OVATA (Mountain Stewartia) is a large shrub or small tree with a bushy growth habit. Interesting all year because of its nice foliage, flowers, and bark.

Comments:

Stewartias are attractive year round.
They have dense, glossy foliage, showy flowers, and nice fall color. The flaking, multi-colored bark is ornamental in the winter.

Additional Materials:

The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-604 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Rare and Unusual Trees"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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