About

Stewartia ovata, the mountain camellia, is a spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree producing ovate, toothed, dark green leaves with good orange to scarlet autumn colour and cupped, white flowers with showy orange anthers in summer. An ornamental choice for a moist, acidic, sheltered woodland garden.

About the genus

Streptocarpus can be annuals, perennials or subshrubs, with usually wrinkled, lance-shaped to rounded leaves and clusters of tubular to trumpet-shaped flowers with 5 spreading lobes, often borne throughout the year

Plant details

Suggested usesWindowsills, conservatories, warm greenhouses. An excellent houseplant.

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained, peat-free houseplant compost. Bright indirect light. Keep evenly moist but not wet. 15-25�C.
PruningRemove spent flower stems at the base to encourage further blooms. Trim damaged leaves.
PropagationLeaf cuttings in spring or summer � cut a leaf section and insert in compost. Divide large rosettes.
Pest resistanceMealybugs and aphids may occur indoors.
Disease resistanceCrown rot from overwatering. Powdery mildew in poor air circulation.