ne
Cultivate
types, but requires good drainage and even
moisture. Because the bark is thin and
easily damaged, it should be placed where
mechanical impact from lawnmowers,
weed whackers, edgers, etc., is unlikely.
Highly disease and pest resistant, it is
also a very "clean" tree, i.e., it doesn't shed
messy foliage or fruit droppings. All told,
Japanese Stewartia is a well-behaved, noninvasive species worthy of widespread use.
For real plant enthusiasts, interesting
cultivars include 'Mint Frills'—known
for its ruffled green-tinged flower petals;
'Balle'—a selection out of the Polly Hill Arboretum on Martha's Vineyard featuring
a more spreading habit and larger flowers
(almost four inches wide); 'Cascade'—a
semi-weeping form with graceful drooping branches; 'Milk and Honey,' which is
a little harder to find and known for its
profuse quantities of large blooms and
bright bark color; and 'Pink Form'—a rare
selection with pale white-pink flowers
opening from attractive pinkish buds.
Of course, the straight-up species
pseudocamellia is spectacular—and ideal
for that special place in the garden toward
which the eye is perpetually drawn.
Defining Characteristics: Mottled bark and camellialike flowers distinguish Stewartia pseudocamellia.
Quick Facts
Botanical name: Stewartia pseudocamellia
Common name: Japanese Stewartia
Size: 30 to 40 feet tall and 25 to 30 feet spread
Cultural requirements: part sun/part shade,
even moisture, and good drainage
Uses: as a specimen tree in small gardens, patio
areas, and entryways; as a canopy tree in the
corner of a garden or over a sidewalk; for creating
an allée in a formal setting
Sources
Corliss Brothers
31 Essex Rd., Ipswich, 978-356-5422
corlissbrothers.com
New England Nurseries
216 Concord Rd., Bedford, 781-275-2525
newenglandnurseries.com
Wolf Hill Home & Garden
104 Eastern Ave., Gloucester, 978-281-4480
60 Turnpike Rd., Ipswich, 978-356-6342
wolfhillhomeandgardencenter.com
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