Stewartia sinensis |
Native Region: Central and Eastern China
Zone Range: 06-09
Preferred Climate: Temperate
Harvest Date: Sunday 17 December, 2023
Seed count: 15-20
Description:
This species, from Hubei province in China, is beautiful throughout the year. In midsummer, white blossoms which look very much like those of the closely related camellia, follow the emerging leaves. The densely arranged mid to dark green leaves and tidy form of the tree are most attractive. In the fall the leaves turn magnificent shades of red, yellow and orange. In winter, the peeling red-brown bark can be appreciated. Height/spread 22 feet.
Notes:
Stewartias are trees of such remarkable qualities that it’s surprising they’re not more widely available.
Cultivation:
For maximum freshness, please keep seed refrigerated in its original packaging until it is time to plant. Scarification may improve germination. Never allow seed to dry out. Warm stratify for 4 months; follow with period of 3 months of cold stratification. Then plant in containers at 20 degrees Celsius for germination. Grow on in moist but well-drained, acidic humusy soil in full sun or light shade.
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