mountain camellia
Stewartia ovata
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun or partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size10 to 15 feet tall10 to 15 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Shrub
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Fall color
- Yes
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acidic (pH<6.8)
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Mountain camellia (Stewartia ovata) is a tree for borders, specimen planting, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. Large white flowers have crimped, scalloped edges and numerous purple stamens. The smooth dark-brown bark peels in sheets to show orange inner bark. Keep it out of compacted soil and water it in dry spells, since it is sensitive to drought.
Pairs well with Japanese forest grass, Christmas fern, Autumn Frost hosta, and Green Velvet buxus.
Native range
Southeastern United States.