The genus Stewartia includes deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs in 15 to 20 species hailing from woodlands in East Asia and the southeastern U.S. Rarely bothered by pests or diseases, they are grown for their attractive peeling bark, their pretty leaf color in autumn, and their cup-shaped white flowers. They make beautiful specimens.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsPeeling bark. Good fall color. Cup-shaped white flowers.
CareGrow in moist but well-drained, humusy, neutral to acidic soil of moderate fertility in full sun or dappled shade. Choose a site sheltered from strong winds. Older plants resent being transplanted.
PropagationPlants can be layered in autumn, or propagated from greenwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer to late summer. Sow seed in a cold frame in autumn.
ProblemsInfrequent.
