Stewartia pseudocamellia (Japanese Stewartia) Unity Grown

Stewartia pseudocamellia, also commonly called Japanese stewartia, is a small to medium-sized tree originally native to Japan and Korea. Well regarded for its white and yellow-centered camellia-like flowers, Japanese stewartia is now grown the world over due to its hardiness and ornamental appeal. Growing to 10-40' tall with a dense, rounded canopy that can spread 10-25' wide, Stewartia pseudocamellia is named for its similar appearance to that of camellias, and in honor of a 16th century Scottish botanist, John Stuart. Being in the same family as Camellia and Franklinia, it is not surprising that there is some similarity in the leaves and flowers of these gorgeous trees.

Japanese stewartia prefers fertile, well-drained soils kept consistently moist but not wet; Stewartia will suffer in standing water, hard soils like those with lots of clay or rocks, and through drought. Though it may be a bit picky, requiring a good mulching to help insulate and protect roots from excess heat, these trees are fairly cold tolerant when protected from strong winds, and will do well through winters when planted in full sun to partial shade areas. Though Japanese stewartia's blooms only put on a strong showing from early to mid-summer, these versatile trees are also excellent for fall color (yellows and oranges), and attractive, excising bark in shades of cinnamon brown adds tons of winter appeal too.