Stewartia pseudocamellia

A beautiful small tree native to Japan, Stewartia pseudocamellia has lovely white, camellia-like flowers with yellow anthers in midsummer. The leaves are dark green, turning glowing shades of orange-red before falling in autumn and fabulous patchwork brown and grey bark on mature specimens. An unusual and eye-catching garden tree.

This is not a difficult species to grow but demands acid soil, shelter from cold winds and, above all, protection from late frosts which will kill even quite mature plants. During the depths of winter, freezing temperatures are not a problem but frosts after the leaves have emerged in spring are often fatal, especially on young plants.

• Position: Sheltered in sun or partial shade. Avoid East facing positions with strong early morning sunlight.
• Soil: Fertile, moist, acidic soil. Enjoys moist but well drained and not waterlogged soil.
• Hardiness: Somewhat hardy. Protected from late frosts as a young plant.
• Flowering Period: July - August.
• Rate of Growth: Moderate.
• Habit: Small pyramidal, branching tree.
  • Height: up to 10 m (32 ft)
  • Spread: 8 m (26 ft)

• Notes: Please be aware that Stewartia pseudocamellia can be a fickle and difficult plant if caught by late frost in Spring or if planted in a poor position. As such, it is not covered by our normal guarantee.