Overview
Stewartia is a columnar upright trees in the genus Stewartia, part of the Theaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Stewartia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, architectural and low maintenance.
About
Stewartia is a genus of 8-20 species of flowering plants in the family Theaceae, related to Camellia. Most of the species are native to eastern Asia in China, Japan, Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, with two in southeast North America, from Virginia and Kentucky south to Florida and Louisiana.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Stewartia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Stewartia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Architectural, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stewartia
- Propagation
- Sowing seed in a cold frame in autumn, Layering, Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Stewartia?
Stewartia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Stewartia need?
Stewartia grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Stewartia hardy in the UK?
Stewartia has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Stewartia?
Sowing seed in a cold frame in autumn, Layering, Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.