Stewartia ovata

Common Names

Mountain Camellia, Mountain Stewartia, Summer Dogwood

Summary

Stewartia ovata, commonly Mountain Camellia or Mountain Stewartia, is a deciduous small tree or large shrub native to the southeastern United States, typically 10–15 feet tall and wide with a rounded form, it features white camellia-like flowers that bloom in midsummer, dark green ovate to elliptic leaves, and orange to scarlet fall color; the bark is fissured and cinnamon-colored, providing winter texture, it grows best in moist, humus-rich, acidic, well-drained soil (pH 4.5–6.5) with full sun to partial shade (some afternoon shade in hot climates), hardy in USDA zones 5–8, it is slow-growing and generally pest- and disease-free, with low maintenance; leaf scorch can occur in hot, full sun and drought sensitivity is noted, propagation is possible by seed or stem cuttings, though seed propagation is slow and plants can be difficult to transplant; in landscapes it makes a striking specimen or accent plant in borders, native plant gardens, or woodland settings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10-15 feet

Spread

10-15 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade, tolerates full sun but prefers some afternoon shade in hot climates, full sun possible in cooler climates.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained, acidic loam soil rich in organic matter (pH ~4.5–6.5).

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

4.5-6.5

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green in spring and summer, turning orange to scarlet in autumn.

Fall Foliage Color

Orange to scarlet

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts songbirds