Stewartia rostrata
beaked stewartia
S. rostrata is an upright to spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree with dark green, oval leaves often turning red in autumn. In late spring to early summer it produces white flowers, sometimes pink-flushed, up to 4cm across
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Theaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Stewartia are deciduous trees or shrubs, often with attractive peeling bark, ovate leaves and showy white flowers; good autumn colour
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SE China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in woodland conditions, favouring a moist, humus-rich, lime-free soil in partial shade. The roots must be fully shaded from hot sun and they resent disturbance or transplanting
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late-summer. Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold-frame in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
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