Korean Stewartia

A camellia relative, Stewartia pseudocamellia var. Koreana is a large, slow-growing, deciduous shrub or small tree, with a spreading, open habit and grey bark peeling decoratively to reveal orange, purplish and cinnamon-coloured inner bark. The ovate leaves are deep green, turning bright orange and red in autumn. Single, pure-white, camellia-like flowers, over 2”/5cm across, with a prominent boss of golden-yellow stamens are borne over a six-week period in midsummer; these are a valuable nectar source. Korean stewartia is a beautiful specimen shrub or tree, with year-round interest, if given the right conditions. It dislikes disturbance, so plant it in the right spot first time.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Light, reliably moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil, particularly peaty soils
Position: Dappled shade
Season of interest: All year
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 20’ (6m) in 20 years