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Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Spacing: 25-30'
- Exposure: Sun/Part Shade
- Deer Resistant: Yes
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Japanese Stewartia
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Say the words “Japanese Stewartia” to anyone who knows trees, and you’ll see a dreamy look in her eyes as a smile spreads across her face. Because of its seductive beauty and four-season appeal, this gorgeous ornamental tree is among the most coveted of all flowering trees by people in the know. Plant one in your yard and you’ll soon know why. In early summer it will charm you with its sparkling white camellia-like blossoms, in autumn it will win you over with its fiery fall colors, and all year long you won’t be able to take your eyes off its smooth, muscly, multi-colored bark! All tree lovers agree: this one is truly exquisite.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Spacing: 25-30'
- Exposure: Sun/Part Shade
- Deer Resistant: Yes
- Show more ›
The Story
Stewartia was named in 1753 by Carolus Linnaeus to honor John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute. Due to a spelling error during transcription, Stuart was spelled Stewart and then consequently called Stewartia. John Stuart was said to be handsome with a fine pair of legs. Perhaps this was the reason Linnaeus named this handsome tree after him. Loving plants until the end, John Stuart died due to injuries from a fall off a 30 foot cliff collecting plant specimens near his home.
The Details
This outstanding flowering tree is one of the best. Large white flowers bloom in early summer and the dark green leaves turn red to purple in autumn. Distinguished, reddish-brown peeling bark provides an exceptional look and a winter interest that makes this extraordinary tree a must have for your landscape. A Gold Medal Award winner from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and a Cary Award winner from the Worcester County Horticultural Society for its outstanding performance, hardiness, and eye-appeal.
How to Grow
Japanese Stewartia can be a fabulous tree if planted in the right location and I absolutely love mine! They like full sun but tolerate some shade and they prefer to be planted in an area where it won’t get beaten up by wind. When it comes to soil conditions – this is where the Japanese Stewartia can be a little fussy. They will do best in highly organic, well-drained soil that is slightly on the acidic side. Once your Japanese Stewartia is planted in its new home, the rest is fairly simple because they are practically maintenance and pest-free. The first 3 years or so that your tree is planted in your yard, apply a low rate fertilizer once a year in the fall. Japanese Stewartias are very slow growing, which is probably the biggest reason why they aren’t used as frequently as they should be. Since they are slow growers – you should not prune very often, if at all. They have a very informal shape and you might want to prune slightly to the shape that you desire, but understand that the growth habit of the Japanese Stewartia tends to have an open form. This “openness” shows off the fabulous exfoliating bark! If you do prune, do so after the tree blooms.
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