Japanese stewartia Stewartia pseudocamellia
Japanese stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Theaceae family, native to Japan and South Korea. It grows 6–12 m (20–39 ft) tall and 4–7 m (13–23 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
Plan Japanese stewartia in your garden →
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Japanese stewartia at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Theaceae |
| Mature height | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–7 m (13–23 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan and South Korea |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Japanese stewartia toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Japanese stewartia
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Japanese stewartia
- How far apart should I plant Japanese stewartia?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–7 m (13–23 ft).
- Does Japanese stewartia need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Japanese stewartia need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Japanese stewartia?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Japanese stewartia flower?
- From about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Japanese stewartia poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Japanese stewartia?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Japanese stewartia. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Camellia-like white flowers in midsummer, peeling camouflage bark and red autumn colour: a four-season small tree. Dislikes root disturbance.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Camellia Camellia japonica
- Sasanqua camellia Camellia sasanqua
- Tea plant Camellia sinensis
- Yunnan camellia Camellia reticulata
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata