Gardening Plant Encyclopedia Tree Japanese Stewartia By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Instagram Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on September 26, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Japanese Stewartia Overview Description This small tree provides a show for every season. Clean green springtime foliage is the perfect backdrop for stewartia's camellia-like flowers in early summer. The showy blossoms begin as large marble-shape white buds. The sprouts open to reveal white cup-shape flowers with bright orange centers. As summer turns to fall, stewartia foliage turns shades of bronze and purple to usher in the season. After the leaves drop, this small tree's peeling bark takes center stage. The reddish-brown bark provides interest through winter. Genus Name Stewartia pseudocamellia Common Name Japanese Stewartia Plant Type Tree Light Part Sun Height 20 to 20 feet Width null to 25 feet Flower Color White Season Features Colorful Fall Foliage, Summer Bloom, Winter Interest Zones 5, 6, 7, 8 Propagation Seed, Stem Cuttings Problem Solvers Slope/Erosion Control Japanese Stewartia Tree Landscape Ideas Slow growing and reaching a height of 15 to 30 feet tall and 20 to 25 feet wide at maturity, Japanese stewartia is a good fit for small landscapes. Because it is a multiseason-interest plant, it is an excellent specimen plant for a front yard or a focal point plant near a patio or outdoor room. Pair this easy-care tree with low-maintenance shrubs, such as shrub roses, ninebark, viburnum, and spirea, to create a hardworking planting area that requires little work. Check out more landscaping ideas for small yards. Growing Japanese Stewartia Tree Japanese stewartia grows best in full sun or part shade and moist, organically rich, well-drained soil. In regions with warm summers, plant it in a protected location where it will receive shade from intense afternoon sun—the east or north side of a house or building is a good choice. Stewartia is commonly sold as a large, multistem shrub, as well as a tree. Check your local nursery for plant forms available in your area. See more of our favorite small trees! Plant stewartia in spring or early summer. Water plants regularly during the first year after planting to encourage a deep, extensive root system. Continue to water deeply during extended dry periods. Though pruning is rarely needed, winter is the best time to remove broken branches and those that are crossing or rubbing. Stewartia has no serious insect or disease problems. Find small-space landscaping tips here. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit