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Japanese Stewartia
Stewartia koreana
Hard · Experienced growersAbout Japanese Stewartia
Korean Stewartia is among the most beautiful small ornamental trees for American gardens, offering four seasons of interest with large white camellia-like flowers in summer, spectacular orange-red fall color, and exquisite exfoliating bark in shades of cinnamon, sage, and cream. Growing 20-35 feet tall with a pyramidal form, it is hardy in USDA zones 5-7 and prized by collectors and landscape designers as a signature specimen tree.
- Fall-color
How to care for Japanese Stewartia
Watering
- Springevery 5 days
- Summerevery 4 days
- Fallevery 7 days
- Winterpause watering
Soil · Acidic · pH 4.5–6
- Top dressingPine needle mulch10%
- Main mixAcid-lover mix + peat 3:175%
- DrainageGravel15%
Never add lime or wood ash — it cancels out the acidity.
FERTILIZER
Acid-Loving Feed 4-3-4
One bag does both jobs. An acid feed carries the usual nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, plus the sulfur and iron that keep the soil sour enough for the roots to take them up at all.
- Nitrogen · Leaves
- Phosphorus · Roots + Blooms
- Potassium · Strength
- Springevery 60 days
- Summerevery 60 days
At a Glance
- NativeEast Asia
- Height20–40 ft (6.1–12.2 m)
- Spread15–25 ft (4.6–7.6 m)
- Flower colorWhite
- Foliage colorGreen, Bronze
- Fruit colorBrown
- SoilLoamy, Moisture-retentive, Acidic
- LocationsYard
Bloom time
BLOOM CYCLE
Peak bloom
Jun–Jul
White camellia-like flowers June to July
Fragrance
LIGHT FRAGRANCE
The flowers have a mild scent.
Toxicity
No toxicity has been reported for this plant. Still, it is wise to keep pets from chewing on any houseplant.
Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
DISTRIBUTION
- Native
- East Asia
History
Stewartia koreana grows in montane forests of South Korea. Japanese botanist Takenoshin Nakai formally described it in 1917 based on specimens from southern Korea. Modern taxonomists often treat it as a variety or subspecies of S. pseudocamellia (Japanese stewartia) rather than a distinct species, though horticultural literature retains the older name.
The species reached Western cultivation through the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard, which received material from Korean collections in the early 20th century. Its defining ornamental feature is the strikingly mottled bark—gray, cinnamon, orange, and cream patches peel away in irregular plates, resembling army-camouflage or abstract art and remaining beautiful year-round. Summer-flowering creamy-white cup-shaped camellia-like flowers and excellent orange-red autumn color complete the year of interest.
It is a premier small specimen tree for acid-soil gardens. Native to Korea and introduced to the United States by the Arnold Arboretum in 1917. Botanically sometimes merged with the Japanese S. pseudocamellia but generally recognized as distinct for its slightly larger flowers and more exuberant bark mottling. Considered the most ornamental of the genus and a prized specimen in fine American gardens.
Symbolism & meaning
What It Symbolizes
Japanese Stewartia is refinement spread across all four seasons, its camellia-like summer flowers giving way to flaming autumn color and patchwork winter bark. Few specimen trees carry such consistent, year-round harmony in such a modest size. In its quiet, balanced beauty, the connoisseur tree of the small garden finds its highest expression.
- Refinement — one of the most cultivated specimen trees
- Harmony — beauty in every season
Where the Name Comes From
The name Japanese Stewartia points to Japan. Genus honors John Stuart, Earl of Bute (1713–1792), British botanist; 'koreana' refers to Korea.
Uses & Fun Facts
- Four-season ornamental tree with camellia-like white summer blooms
- Cinnamon exfoliating bark gives outstanding winter garden interest
- Large summer flowers attract bumblebees and native bees
Related plants
More Stewartia plants
Plants with similar care
Bear's BreechesAcanthus mollis
Spiral AloeAloe polyphylla
Formosa PalmArenga engleri
Sea ThriftArmeria maritima
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Japanese Stewartia?
Water about every 5 days during the growing season, and always let excess water drain away.
How much light does Japanese Stewartia need?
Part shade: 2–4 hrs direct. Watch the leaves — scorching or stretching means the light needs adjusting.
Is Japanese Stewartia toxic to cats or dogs?
No toxicity has been reported for this plant. Still, it is wise to keep pets from chewing on any houseplant. Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
Is Japanese Stewartia easy to grow?
It is considered challenging and rewards experienced growers.
When does Japanese Stewartia bloom?
It typically blooms Jun–Jul in the Northern Hemisphere.
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