Stewartia pseudocamellia

With leaves dropping, now is the time to consider planting deciduous material.

When choosing a site it is recommended to research the growing conditions in the native habitat of your chosen species to obtain best growth of the specimen you select from a nursery or garden centre.

At RBGE a specimen of Stewartia pseudocamellia in the nursery lines is ready for a permanent planting position in the garden.

Seed was collected in Japan during 2007 from a tree growing in open broadleaved woodland at an altitude of 1475m. The mature tree had a height of 10m with a 12m canopy spread. As can be seen from the images the colour before leaf fall is an intense red.

Ideally look along nursery rows and select a good form of the species chosen for planting in your garden. If container grown, once the pot is removed, break out the sides and base of the root ball to allow fresh roots to grow out into the surrounding soil. If open grown, prune back any dried out root ends and stand in a bucket of water prior to planting.

It goes without saying that the planting hole should be well prepared and an organic compost or manure added to the back fill.

Stewartia pseudocamellia

Plant to the same level as the tree was set at in the nursery soil or container.

Firm gently, stake only if necessary.

Water lightly and look after for the first year of establishment. During the second year keep an eye on competition from surrounding vegetation and water during dry spells. From then on the tree or shrub should romp away.