Stewartia rostrata

Stewartia rostrata is undoubtedly one of the best kept secrets among this genus of trees and shrubs related to camellias. Paradoxically this small Chinese tree, accustomed to cold climates, is one of the least demanding in terms of soil. Its summer flowering is more abundant and more colourful than that of other Stewartia species, and it displays magnificent autumn colours. While the flowers, which combine bright pink-red buds and delicate white-pink flowers, is appreciated, it becomes even more remarkable in autumn, adorned with red fruits and gleaming leaves for a short period. Its moderate development and slow growth make it suitable for a small-sized garden. There are so many reasons to adopt this beautiful bush.

Stewartia rostrata, of Chinese origin, belongs to the Theaceae family. Brought to Europe in 1974 by Stephen Spongberg, this small tree is often confused with Stewartia sinensis, from which it differs by its rather ordinary, rough, and grey-brown bark. It forms a small tree with an open habit, with a spread-out and airy pyramidal crown, which becomes oval over time. Its growth is slow, reaching a height of about 8m (26ft) and a spread of 5m (16ft) in favourable climates, but usually more like 5-6m (16-20ft) with a spread of 3-4m (10-13ft). In spring, the young leaves show a beautiful reddish tint, then quickly turn dark green with a glossy finish until late summer. Their autumn colouration, ranging from bright red to violet, quickly turns brown before falling. The leaves are entire, ovate to obovate, thick and leathery, with a slightly rubbery texture, almost smooth at the edges. The flowering of this Stewartia takes place in June. The solitary flowers appear in the axils of the leaves, along almost the entire branch. Beautiful bright pink-red buds open into cups 3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) wide, composed of 5 more or less pink-tinged white petals surrounding a large cluster of yellow stamens. In the case of Stewartia rostrata, the thick sepals surrounding the corolla are slightly twisted, which also distinguishes it from other species. This nectar-rich flowering is followed by numerous superb fruits: capsules with dried styles that form a long beak-like tip (hence the name S. rostrata). Their colour evolves from light and bright red to brown when ripe.

As a truly ornamental shrub for a rather humid climate, even one that is cold in winter, Stewartia rostrata is much easier to acclimatise than most camellias and even other Stewartia species. It is content with ordinary soil, slightly alkaline, neutral or slightly acidic, and prefers to remain moist. It can be planted to stand alone in the garden or associated with other acid-loving plants (Rhododendron, azaleas, Hydrangea, Hamamelis) in a flowering hedge. In ordinary soil it can also accompany the anemone tree, certain deciduous magnolias (Magnolia stellata, kobus), and Fothergilla, charming shrubs that are not always considered. It deserves a clear location, a bit away from other plants so that it can be enjoyed throughout the year e.g. at the entrance of the garden, near the house, or alongside a path. You can dress its base with Japanese grass, ferns, or autumn bulbs such as colchicums or Naples cyclamens.