Stewartia malacodendron - Flowering Tree - Silky Camellia, Silky Stewartia, Virginia Stewartia Page

Introducing the Silky Camellia, also known as the Silky Stewartia or Virginia Stewartia. This beautiful plant is a large, open-branched shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. Native to the southeastern United States, it is an under-story woodland species with rich brown colored bark. The Silky Camellia grows slowly into a large deciduous shrub or small tree, typically reaching heights of 3-4.5 meters (10-15 feet), but sometimes even taller at 9 meters (30 feet).

The Silky Camellia's leaves are alternately arranged, dark green, and simple, measuring around 50 to 100 mm (2.0 to 3.9 in) long. The foliage is ovate to elliptical in shape with sharp pointed tips and finely toothed margins covered in fine hairs, especially on the veins. The flowers of the Silky Camellia are showy, with five white petals and purple filaments with blue anthers that fill the middle of flat, cup-shaped corollas. These beautiful flowers are 60-90 mm (2.4-3.5 in) wide and bloom singularly from the leaf axils on short stalks. The Silky Camellia blooms in July and August in the northern part of its range and in April in the southern part of its range.

This plant is a recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit and has been cultivated in the United States since 1752. However, it is not a common garden subject due to its slow growth rate, difficulty in transplanting, and challenges in propagation. The Silky Camellia thrives best in partial shade and well-draining soils. It was named for John Stuart, the Earl of Bute and a patron of botany, and its specific epithet "malacodendron" translates to "soft tree" in Latin.

The Silky Camellia is a stunning addition to any garden or landscape. Its unique appearance and texture of its flowers, resembling those of camellias, make it a standout plant. If you're looking for a beautiful and unique shrub or small tree, consider adding the Silky Camellia to your collection. For more information, visit our website and explore the wonders of this remarkable plant.