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Stewartia rostrata

Stewartia rostrata
Beaked Stewartia

5,0/5
3 reviews
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young plant having been left in its pot for too long roots extremely tightly packed, I don't know if it will be able to survive for long, of course I tried to loosen the roots a bit

Brigitte, 24/09/2021

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

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Value-for-money
This small tree or sturdy ornamental shrub from China has pink-white cup-shaped flowers with yellow stamens that turn a beautiful bright pink-red when in bud - reminding us that this is a little-known cousin of the camellia. But the flowers of Stewartia bloom in summer, on deciduous rather than evergreen foliage, which will take on superb colours before falling. Curious hooked fruits -  intensely reddish-purple at the end of the season - also grow on its branches, contributing to this ephemeral fireworks display. Very hardy (down to -20°C (1°F)), it is easily cultivated in full sun or partial shade, in very ordinary, moist soil without too much limestone.
Flower size
4 cm
Height at maturity
6 m
Spread at maturity
4 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -20°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time June
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Description

Stewartia rostrata is undoubtedly one of the best kept secrets among this genus of trees and shrubs related to camellias. Paradoxically this small Chinese tree, accustomed to cold climates, is one of the least demanding in terms of soil. Its summer flowering is more abundant and more colourful than that of other Stewartia species, and it displays magnificent autumn colours. While the flowers, which combine bright pink-red buds and delicate white-pink flowers, is appreciated, it becomes even more remarkable in autumn, adorned with red fruits and gleaming leaves for a short period. Its moderate development and slow growth make it suitable for a small-sized garden. There are so many reasons to adopt this beautiful bush.

Stewartia rostrata, of Chinese origin, belongs to the Theaceae family. Brought to Europe in 1974 by Stephen Spongberg, this small tree is often confused with Stewartia sinensis, from which it differs by its rather ordinary, rough, and grey-brown bark. It forms a small tree with an open habit, with a spread-out and airy pyramidal crown, which becomes oval over time. Its growth is slow, reaching a height of about 8m (26ft) and a spread of 5m (16ft) in favourable climates, but usually more like 5-6m (16-20ft) with a spread of 3-4m (10-13ft). In spring, the young leaves show a beautiful reddish tint, then quickly turn dark green with a glossy finish until late summer. Their autumn colouration, ranging from bright red to violet, quickly turns brown before falling. The leaves are entire, ovate to obovate, thick and leathery, with a slightly rubbery texture, almost smooth at the edges. The flowering of this Stewartia takes place in June. The solitary flowers appear in the axils of the leaves, along almost the entire branch. Beautiful bright pink-red buds open into cups 3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) wide, composed of 5 more or less pink-tinged white petals surrounding a large cluster of yellow stamens. In the case of Stewartia rostrata, the thick sepals surrounding the corolla are slightly twisted, which also distinguishes it from other species. This nectar-rich flowering is followed by numerous superb fruits: capsules with dried styles that form a long beak-like tip (hence the name S. rostrata). Their colour evolves from light and bright red to brown when ripe.

As a truly ornamental shrub for a rather humid climate, even one that is cold in winter, Stewartia rostrata is much easier to acclimatise than most camellias and even other Stewartia species. It is content with ordinary soil, slightly alkaline, neutral or slightly acidic, and prefers to remain moist. It can be planted to stand alone in the garden or associated with other acid-loving plants (Rhododendron, azaleas, Hydrangea, Hamamelis) in a flowering hedge. In ordinary soil it can also accompany the anemone tree, certain deciduous magnolias (Magnolia stellata, kobus), and Fothergilla, charming shrubs that are not always considered. It deserves a clear location, a bit away from other plants so that it can be enjoyed throughout the year e.g. at the entrance of the garden, near the house, or alongside a path. You can dress its base with Japanese grass, ferns, or autumn bulbs such as colchicums or Naples cyclamens.

 

Stewartia rostrata in pictures

Stewartia rostrata (Flowering) Flowering
Stewartia rostrata (Foliage) Foliage
Stewartia rostrata (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 6 m
Spread at maturity 4 m
Habit conical, pyramidal
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time June
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 4 cm
Fragrance slightly scented
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Fruit colour red

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Stewartia

Species

rostrata

Family

Theaceae

Other common names

Beaked Stewartia

Origin

China

Product reference843351

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Planting and care

Stewartia rostrata, hardy down to approximately -20°C (1°F), is quite accommodating regarding soil type, as long as it is deep, properly loosened, without excessive limestone, and moist. It appreciates moist but not waterlogged, fertile soils. A well-worked loamy, clayey or sandy soil will also be suitable. Choose a sunny or partially shaded site, the latter giving longer-lasting flowers. You can cultivate it in full sun but the roots must remain cool. It should be sheltered from cold and drying winds, and young plants are more sensitive to heavy frosts. The shrub should not be planted too deeply, with the top of the root ball covered with 3 cm (1in) of soil. In winter, cover it with a 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) thick mulch composed of leaf compost and crushed bark. Water during dry periods to retain soil moisture, as this bush dislikes drought and heatwaves.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Back of border, Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -20°C (USDA zone 6b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral, Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Ordinary, well loosened, well-drained, fertile.

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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