Native to Japan, Stewartia pseudocamellia is a small to medium sized, pyramidal oval tree considered a choice ornamental in USDA zones 5-7. It can reach between 20’ to 40’ in its mature landscape size. It has alternate and simple leaves as well as an elliptic leaf shape. Its leaves are quite thick and slightly crenate at the margins, with a rich dark green color. Blooming in June to July, Japanese Stewartia is often called “summer camellia” referencing its beautiful broadly cup-shaped white flowers with dramatically contrasting orange anthers in the center. Early flowers may fall and carpet the ground beneath the plant while others emerge above to beautiful effect. Once fall arrives, the leaves will turn to a blend of colors that include yellow, red, and dark reddish purple, often a spectacular combination. A true four-season plant, Japanese Stewartia bark develops a muscular structure as well as an attractive exfoliating character revealing smooth bark in a luminous cinnamon-orange color. Often used as a specimen plant in locations where it can be viewed all year round, there is always something distinctive about the plant.
A member of the Tea Family, Theaceae, the genus Stewartia was named by Carolus Linnaeus to honor John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute and dedicated botanist, and is represented in Southeast Asia and southeastern North America. Stewartia monadelpha, Tall Stewartia is more tolerant of heat than
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