Japanese Stewartia

Stewartia pseudocamellia

Nature Hills Nursery

Four-Season Beauty: White Camellia-Like Flowers, Exfoliating Bark, and Crimson Fall Color
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Grows 20-30 ft Tall, 14-16 ft Wide
Stunning Purple Fall Foliage
Showy Orange, White Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer

$49³³

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Plant Size

#1 Container 5-6 Feet #3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade, aiming for 4 to 6 hours of direct light daily. In warmer climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch and keep the foliage looking crisp through the summer.
Soil: This tree craves rich, organic, and well drained soil that is slightly acidic. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost and plant in a slightly raised mound to ensure the roots never sit in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years of establishment, provide 10 to 15 gallons of water per week to help the root system knit into your native soil. Once mature, the Japanese Stewartia is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during heat waves can lead to "crispy" leaf edges and reduced flower bud formation for the following year.

Pruning Tips

This slow growing tree blooms on new wood, so any necessary shaping should be done in late winter or very early spring before new growth starts. Focus on removing "crossed" branches or any dead wood to highlight the beautiful, exfoliating bark that serves as the plant's best winter feature. Think of pruning as a light thinning to let light reach the interior rather than a heavy structural overhaul.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer designed for acid loving plants in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers after midsummer, as this can force tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost, leading to unnecessary winter dieback.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Flowering, Fall Color/Interest, Thornless, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	20-30 ft
Width	14-16 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Slow
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	Orange, White
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Stewartia pseudocamellia
Species	pseudocamellia
Class	Ericales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

4 Season Ornamental Tree

4 Seasons of Interest
Easy Care
Showy, Showy, Showy!
White Flowers

If you are looking for a showy tree to place front and center in your landscape plan, you can't go wrong with Japanese Stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia). From its elegant branching and pyramidal shade to its highly textured bark, to the annual eye-catching flower display and wonderful fall color - this should be a very strong contender for your consideration.

Easy to grow and maintain, they are also very versatile. Use this as a yard tree to give shade, as a multi-trunked tree for a more informal feel or trained into a tree with a single leader trunk.

In spring, this tree really shines with large white camellia-like flowers with sweetly ruffled petals. You'll be the talk of the street as it starts it's long bloom season that can last several weeks. Pollinators will also adore your tree, so you'll feel like you are doing your part to help our ecology.

Long, leathery leaves turn reddish purple in fall and make another big visual impact. Then, you'll love the ornamental, exfoliating bark all year long. The bark just gets better with age.

Consider placing an identification placard near the tree, or you'll risk getting tired of telling passerby's and neighbors what kind of tree it is! Japanese Stewartia has been featured in garden décor magazines and is a favorite of garden designers.

Plant one in the front yard to instantly anchor the house to the landscape. Place it at least 10 feet away near the corner of your home. You'll really appreciate this special tree as it grows to give your home character, style and charm.

You'll want to put a comfy chair near a bedroom window overlooking the tree, so you can enjoy seeing the gorgeous flowers. What a treat to pamper yourself with!

Order this popular tree today, we'd hate to have you miss out. Get the largest size you can to make an immediate impact in your landscape.

Explore More from Nature Hills

Japanese Stewartia pairs beautifully with other flowering trees in your landscape, creating seasonal interest alongside your existing trees. This elegant specimen thrives in zone 5 plants, trees & shrubs through zone 8 plants, trees & shrubs, making it adaptable to many regions. For more planting inspiration, explore our guides on Learn How To Grow and Use Japanese Lilac Trees and discover Best Trees That Keep Their Leaves All Year for year-round garden planning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Japanese Stewartia suitable for?

Japanese Stewartia thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-8. This adaptable tree handles both cold winters and moderate heat well, making it suitable for most temperate regions. Plant it at least 10 feet from your home for best results.

How tall does Japanese Stewartia get at maturity, and what's its mature spread?

Japanese Stewartia typically reaches 20-30 feet tall with a 15-20 foot spread at maturity. This pyramidal tree develops its elegant branching structure over time. Plant it at least 10 feet from your home to allow proper growth space, available at naturehills.com.

What are the soil requirements for planting Japanese Stewartia—does it need acidic soil?

Japanese Stewartia thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.0). It adapts to various soil types but performs best with consistent moisture and good drainage. Plant it at least 10 feet from structures in a location with morning sun and some afternoon protection for optimal growth.

Is Japanese Stewartia drought-tolerant once established?

Japanese Stewartia develops moderate drought tolerance once established, though it prefers consistent moisture for optimal growth and flowering. This easy-care tree performs best with regular watering during dry spells, especially in its first few years. Water deeply during extended dry periods to maintain its showy white blooms and healthy foliage.

Where can I buy Japanese Stewartia online with shipping to my area?

Japanese Stewartia is available at naturehills.com with nationwide shipping to most areas. This 4-season ornamental tree ships well and establishes easily in most climates. Order the largest size available for immediate landscape impact.

Does Japanese Stewartia produce a lot of flowers, and when do they bloom?

Japanese Stewartia produces abundant large white camellia-like flowers with ruffled petals that bloom in spring for several weeks. The showy flower display is one of this tree's standout features. Plant yours where you can enjoy the spectacular spring show from a window or seating area.

Is Japanese Stewartia prone to pests or diseases, and how do I care for it?

Japanese Stewartia is notably disease and pest resistant, making it an easy care ornamental tree. This low-maintenance specimen thrives with minimal intervention once established. Provide well-draining soil and regular watering the first year, then enjoy decades of trouble-free beauty.

Japanese Stewartia

Stewartia pseudocamellia