About
This small, spreading deciduous tree with peeling papery brown and purple bark, and ovate leaves 5-10cm long turning bright crimson in autumn. Slightly perfumed white flowers 4-5cm across, open in mid summer.
About the genus
Stewartia are deciduous trees or shrubs, often with attractive peeling bark, ovate leaves and showy white flowers; good autumn colour
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toS China
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well drained, moderately fertile, humus rich, neutral to acid soil in full sun or dappled shade sheltered from strong winds. Resents transplanting
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, sow ripe seeds in containers in cold frame in the autumn. Take softwood cuttings in early summer, semi-ripe cuttings in mid- to late summer or try layering in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility