Grow stewartia in moist, acid soil that drains, with afternoon shade in the heat. Japanese stewartia is Stewartia pseudocamellia, also called summer camellia.
Give it moist, acid soil, and afternoon shade in the heat
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | Full sun to part shade; afternoon shade where summers are hot and humid | Do not site it in hot afternoon sun that scorches the leaves |
| Soil | Moist, acid, high-organic soil that still drains; sand or loam with compost | Do not plant in heavy clay, rock, or dry ground |
| Water | Keep the soil evenly moist, especially the first years | Do not let the root zone dry out; the tree does not tolerate drought |
| Wind | A sheltered site, out of winter wind | Do not site it on an open, windy corner |
Stewartia wants soil that stays moist and slightly acid, with organic matter, and it still needs air around the roots. In a hot, humid summer, keep it out of the afternoon sun so the leaves do not scorch. [1] Where summers are milder, a half day of sun or more gives a thicker bloom and stronger fall color. [2] Water through the first years so the soil never dries out. Once the roots take, keep watering in a long dry spell, because this tree does not shrug off drought. [3] Japanese stewartia wants that same moist, acid ground. Silky camellia and mountain camellia want more woodland shade; pick the species on Types of Stewartia. [4]
Does stewartia need full sun?
A half day of sun or more is fine where summers are mild. In a hot, humid climate, give it afternoon shade so the leaves do not scorch.
How often should I water stewartia?
Keep the soil evenly moist. Water a new tree through the first years, then water again in a long dry spell. Do not treat it as drought-proof.
Not a camellia — and not a summer dogwood
Silky camellia and mountain camellia are stewartias, not evergreen camellias. Camellia keeps its leaves and blooms in winter or spring; stewartia drops its leaves and opens white, camellia-like flowers in summer. For the evergreen shrub, see How to Grow Camellias. Summer dogwood is a nursery name for mountain camellia, not a true dogwood. Dogwood is Cornus — see How to Grow Dogwood. If the tag says camellia and the plant is deciduous with summer flowers, you still have stewartia.
Is silky camellia a camellia?
No. Silky camellia is Stewartia malacodendron. An evergreen camellia is Camellia.
If the soil is drying out this week, water now — do not wait for a cooler spell to fix leaf scorch.
FAQ
Can I grow stewartia in a pot?
A large, deep pot with a drainage hole can hold a young tree for a season or two if you keep the mix moist and acid. The usual plant is in the ground, in its permanent spot.
Are the fruits edible?
The tree sets small woody capsules, not a kitchen fruit. Leave them on the tree or collect seed only if you mean to sow.
Does it have pests I should spray?
Stewartia has no serious insect or disease problems in most gardens. Skip a spray.
Is mountain camellia toxic to dogs?
Mountain camellia is not known to be toxic to dogs, cats, or horses. Still keep pets from chewing woody capsules they might choke on.
Is Franklinia a stewartia?
No. Franklinia is a related tea-family tree, not a stewartia. Do not treat it as a fourth kind on the tag.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] NC State Extension Gardener -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/stewartia-pseudocamellia/ - [2] University of Maine Cooperative Extension -
https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/2019/07/01/maine-home-garden-news-july-2019/ - [3] NC State Extension Gardener -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/stewartia-ovata/ - [4] Clemson Home & Garden Information Center -
https://hgic.clemson.edu/native-stewartias-the-american-camellia-relatives/
This note is part of Stewartia Guides.
More first-season notes by plant are gathered in How to Grow Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors