Why Plant Japanese Stewartia?
Say the words “Japanese Stewartia” to anyone who knows trees, and you’ll see a dreamy look in her eyes as a smile spreads across her face. Because of its seductive beauty and four-season appeal, this gorgeous ornamental tree is among the most coveted of all flowering trees by people in the know. Plant one in your yard and you’ll soon know why. In early summer it will charm you with its sparkling white camellia-like blossoms, in autumn it will win you over with its fiery fall colors, and all year long you won’t be able to take your eyes off its smooth, muscly, multi-colored bark! All tree lovers agree: this one is truly exquisite.
Stewartia was named in 1753 by Carolus Linnaeus to honor John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute. Due to a spelling error during transcription, Stuart was spelled Stewart and then consequently called Stewartia. John Stuart was said to be handsome with a fine pair of legs. Perhaps this was the reason Linnaeus named this handsome tree after him. Loving plants until the end, John Stuart died due to injuries from a fall off a 30 foot cliff collecting plant specimens near his home.
How to use Japanese Stewartia in the landscape?
This outstanding flowering tree is one of the best. Large white flowers bloom in early summer and the dark green leaves turn red to purple in autumn. Distinguished, reddish-brown peeling bark provides an exceptional look and a winter interest that makes this extraordinary tree a must have for your landscape. A Gold Medal Award winner from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and a Cary Award winner from the Worcester County Horticultural Society for its outstanding performance, hardiness, and eye-appeal.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 5-8
How To Plant Japanese Stewartia
Japanese Stewartia can be a fabulous tree if planted in the right location. They like full sun but tolerate some shade and they prefer to be planted in an area where it won’t get beaten up by wind. When it comes to soil conditions – this is where the Japanese Stewartia can be a little fussy. They will do best in highly organic, well-drained soil that is slightly on the acidic side. Once your Japanese Stewartia is planted in its new home, the rest is fairly simple because they are practically maintenance and pest-free.
How To Water
Japanese Stewartia will appreciate watering deeply, and regularly during its first few years in the ground to encourage a deep, extensive root system. Irrigate weekly, especially during prolonged dry spells or extreme heat after it’s established.
How To Fertilize
When it comes to fertilizing your Japanese Stewartia, you are going to want to do so in spring, as your tree is breaking dormancy.
How To Prune
Japanese Stewartia are very slow growing, which is probably the biggest reason why they aren’t used as frequently as they should be. Since they are slow growers – you should not prune very often, if at all. They have a very informal shape and you might want to prune slightly to the shape that you desire, but understand that the growth habit of the Japanese Stewartia tends to have an open form. This “openness” shows off the fabulous exfoliating bark! If you do prune, do so after the tree blooms.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
