Japanese Stewartia
Stewartia pseudocamellia

Family: Theaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Oval, Pyramidal.

Stewartia pseudocamellia is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 15

Where it is found

Semi-shaded habitats in moist woodland in mountains.

E. Asia - C. and S. Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

Landscape Uses: Espalier, Pest tolerant, Standard, Specimen, Street tree.

Espalier: A tree or other plant that is trained to grow flat against a support (such as a trellis or wall).

How it is grown

Requires a deep humus-rich moist but not boggy soil. Dislikes limey soils, preferring peaty conditions. Prefers a position with some shade, at least from the midday sun. Another report says that it prefers a sunny sheltered position. Hardy to about -20°c. Resents root disturbance, plants should be put in their permanent positions as soon as possible. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features:Not North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in an outdoor seedbed if there is sufficient seed. Stored seed is best soaked for 3 days in warm water and then given 3 - 5 months warm stratification followed by 3 months cold stratification at 5°c, it can take 18 months to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in early summer. Cuttings of short side branches, 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. One report says it is best to keep the cuttings growing through the winter if possible whilst another says they should be allowed to become dormant once they have rooted. Layering.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 4-7

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Stuartia pseudocamellia. Maxim.