Trees
Stewartia pseudocamellia
Japanese stewartia
White, camellia-like summer flowers, colorful fall leaves and mottled peeling bark give this tree interest across the seasons. Its refined outline suits a sheltered specimen planting. Keep roots evenly moist and protect it from drying winds and intense afternoon heat.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun / Part shade
- Size
- Height: 12 ft.–40 ft. · Width: 8 ft.–25 ft.
- Water
- Moist, well-drained soil
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 5–8
Sizes & prices
- #10$224.99
- #25Japanese Stewartia that is a Hardy Camillia!! Gorgeous large rose-like flowers$349.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
Ask about this plantSelect a section to expand.
Landscape use & tree form
- Use
- Ornamental specimen; Understory planting
- Form
- Multi-stemmed; Oval; Pyramidal
- Growth rate
- Slow
- 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
- Some resistance reports, but Maryland Extension rates Japanese stewartia at average browse risk; protect young plants.
- 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
Seasonal interest
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Growing & care
- Pruning
- Little routine pruning needed; retain the natural low branching and prune selectively only to reveal bark or remove damaged branches.
- Placement
- Shelter from drying winter winds and hot afternoon sun.
Sources & photo credits
University of Minnesota Extension
University of Maryland Extension
Photo: Kathleen Moore · CC BY 2.0
Image notes: Japanese stewartia. Flower in June. Resized and converted to WebP.
Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.