Shade and Ornamental Trees: Stewartia
Choose another category
Stewartia monadelpha
Tall Stewartia has white flowers about half the size of S. pseudocamellia, does not exfoliate to the same extent but bark is smooth and ages to a more cinnamony colour. Stems have zigzag habit. Often multi-stemmed. Flowers are the smallest of the Stewartia family and are followed by non-showy fruit. Good drought and heat tolerance (if roots are protected from heat); but performs best in part shade.
Stewartia pseudocamellia
Japanese Stewartia is a large multi or single trunked tree with an oval pyramidal crown. Dark green leaves turn dark reddish-purple in fall. White, Camellia-like flowers with orange anthers and 4 petals appear in June and July. The bark exfoliates to a camouflage effect with grey, bronze/orange and brown patches. Slow to establish, but worth it: a tree for all seasons! Shelter from afternoon sun. Exfoliating Bark.
Stewartia rostrata
Rostrata Stewartia has white flowers, sometimes seen with a pinkish to reddish blush (or blotch) and orange anthers. The petals are held by red bracts which remain visible after the petals drop and surround the beaked seed capsules. More sun tolerant than other Stewartias. Exfoliating Bark.
Stewartia koreana
Korean Stewartia has beautiful exfoliating bark, ranging in colour from soft grays to cream, tan and rich brown (similar to S. pseudocamellia). Flowers appear more open and flattened than cup-shape; zigzag branch pattern. Fall colour is usually a good mix of orange, yellow, red and purple but can be unreliable. Exfoliating bark.