Trees

Stewartia pseudocamellia Koreana Group

Korean stewartia

Also known as: Stewartia koreana

Korean stewartia bloom at Trelissick, Cornwall; licensed photograph, not current inventory.

Korean stewartia offers a succession of details worth viewing up close: white, camellia-like flowers in early summer, rich autumn foliage, and mottled peeling bark after leaf fall. Its initially narrow crown broadens as it ages. This is a tree for a sheltered, moisture-retentive garden setting rather than hot, dry or heavily paved conditions.

At a glance

Sun: Part shade
Size: Height: Up to about 40 ft · Width: About 25 ft
Water: Regular moisture; avoid drought
Hardiness: USDA 5–8
Bloom: White, camellia-like in early summer

Sizes & prices

B&B 6'Japanese Stewartia$449.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

Ask about this plant

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental specimen; Understory planting
Growth rate: Slow
Form: Ascending; Dense; Erect; Multi-stemmed; Multi-trunked; Open; Oval; Pyramidal
Fruit / litter: Small dry woody capsules follow flowers.
Major issues: Usually few serious pests; drought, poor soil drainage and root disturbance are important stresses.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Not reliably deer resistant; protect young plants from browsing.
Drought: Drought sensitive; keep the root zone consistently moist.
Wet soil: Requires drainage despite its need for moisture.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Bees

Keep in mind: Avoid alkaline, poorly drained or drought-prone sites.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Dark green; red, orange and gold in autumn
Bark: Peeling bark exposes tan, pink and gray

Growing & care

Soil: Moist, well-drained
Pruning: Little routine pruning needed; retain the natural low branching and prune selectively only to reveal bark or remove damaged branches.

Sources & photo credits

Kiefer Nursery

Kew Science, Plants of the World Online

Royal Horticultural Society

raemelton.com

Pleasant Run Nursery

University of Minnesota Extension

NC State Extension

University of Maryland Extension

www.bates.edu

Photo: Scott Zona · CC BY 2.0

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.