Stewartia sinensis
Chinese stewartia
S. sinensis is a small, spreading deciduous tree with peeling papery brown and purple bark, and ovate leaves 5-10cm long turning bright crimson in autumn. Slightly fragrant white flowers 4-5cm across, open in mid summer
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–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
- C China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well drained, moderately fertile, humus rich, neutral to acid soil in full sun or dappled shade sheltered from strong winds. Resents transplanting
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sow ripe seeds in containers in cold frame in the autumn. Take softwood cuttings in early summer, semi-ripe cuttings in mid- to late summer or try layering in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.