Stewartia sinensis - Flowering Tree - Chinese Stewartia Page

Stewartia sinensis, also known as Chinese Stewartia, is a small deciduous tree or large shrub that is highly regarded horticulturally for its attractive, cinnamon-colored peeling bark, fragrant white flowers, and intense red fall foliage. Native to central and eastern China, it typically grows up to 9 meters tall but can reach up to 20 meters in its native forests. This tree is recommended for use where larger trees are unadvisable, such as under power lines. Its preferred growing conditions are similar to those of the more commonly cultivated Japanese stewartia, though it is somewhat less cold-tolerant. Stewartia sinensis is hardy to USDA zone 5 and has an attractive, multiply-branched growth habit with low maintenance requirements. Considered a specimen tree, it may be grown in climates that do not test its cold-tolerance. Protect young trees during very cold temperatures until they reach mature sizes.