Stewartia
Photo by Phillip Oliver
Stewartia psuedocamellia is one of the loveliest trees for the Pacific Northwest and one of the very best for fall color. A native of Japan and Korea and a close relative of the camellia, this elegant tree grows best in cool summer regions. The growth is pyramidal in youth and becomes more open and rounded as it ages.
The medium-sized camellia-like flowers appear in summer and are white with golden anthers. In autumn, the leaves change early to brilliant shades of gold and red. A most striking element of the Stewartia is the bark, which begins to peel and reveals a patchwork of colors. This happens when branches achieve 2-3 inches in diameter.
Stewartia thrives in soils that are rich and retain moisture. The leaves can burn in hot exposures so partial shade or afternoon shade is recommended.
Stewartia flowers (Photo by Tony Rodd, Visual Hunt)
Stewartia bark (Photo by Tanaka Juuyoh, Visual Hunt)
