Stewartia sinensis
Chinese stewartia
Also known as Stuartia sinensis, Stewartia gemmata
- Height × spread
- 7m × 3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a small tree which is primarily grown for its enticing bark. The bark is smooth and flakes away revealing creamy-yellow young wood which darkens over the winter months turning a deep reddish-brown. It produces fragrant flowers, borne singly, attractive in their detail but not eye-catching. In summer the leaves are bright-green, in autumn they take on a red colour before leaf fall. The tree reaches around 7m (23ft) high with a 3m (10ft) spread.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Red
- Stem colour
- Brown, Orange
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 7m
- Spread
- 3m
- Height in 10 years
- 2.5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.