Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Theaceae

Genus:

Stewartia

Species:

Stewartia malacodendron

USDA Symbol:

STMA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

600 cm

Light Requirements:

Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

white

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fall Color:

orange, red

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers organic matter-rich environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 150–210 days

Germination Time:

30–365 days

Notes:

Seeds exhibit double dormancy requiring warm stratification followed by cold stratification. Germination can be erratic and may take up to two years.