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Larger leaves, earlier blooming and hardier than S. chinensis. (See HRT, DIR)

Hardiness

Zones 7–9

The leaves and flowers are much larger than the species. Hanging racemes of yellow flowers open in winter.

Hardiness

Zones 7–9

A new introduction from China. Extremely long, narrow, gracefully hanging foliage. To 10 to 15 feet. Yellow flowers in late winter on drooping racemes. Evergreen at 12 degrees for Ted Stephens at Nurseries Caroliniana in North Augusta, SC.

Hardiness

Zones 8–9

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Hardiness

Zones 4–9

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Hardiness

Zones 4–9

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This small deciduous tree or suckering shrub has trifoliate leaves and interesting greenish-white bell-like flowers followed by curious inflated balloon-like papery fruits. It is best in fertile moist soil in semi-shade. It is native to eastern North America.

Hardiness

Zones 4–9

Stauntonia hexaphylla is a handsome, vigorous evergreen climber from the woodlands of Japan, Korea, and China, grown as much for glossy year-round foliage as for the famous fruit. The palmate leaves are cut into five to seven leathery, dark-green leaflets, held on a strong, twining vine that clothes a support densely from top to bottom. A member of the Lardizabalaceae, Stauntonia counts Akebia, the chocolate vine, and Decaisnea, the blue-sausage tree, as relatives.

Hardiness

Zones 8–9

Light

Full Sun / Part Shade

Height

23–33 ft.

Spread

6–10 ft.

Bloom

White

Plant type

Vine

Traditional use

pain relief, detoxification & cleansing, immune support, mental & emotional well-being

This Stewartia is a large growing tree form with dark green leaves which turn a brilliant red in the fall. The gold-centered 3 inch white flowers typically bloom from June to July. Its marbled exfoliating bark ranges in colors from grayish-brown to orange-brown. Sometimes listed as Stewartia pseudocamellia var. koreana. The Japanese Stewartia pseudocamellia is similar but does not get as large. Stewartia should have a well-drained fertile soil with ample moisture.

Hardiness

Zones 5–8

Height

20–40 ft.

Spread

15–20 ft.

Bloom

Red

Stewartia malacodendron is a much sought native deciduous shrub. It is in the Tea Family so related to Camellia. It is found mostly on streamside slopes in rich woods and is widely scattered in spots from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas. It has beautiful white flowers like a single rose but with purple staymens. If it were easy to grow it would be a standard landscape plant and not a special sought-after connoisseur plant. It is happy in the garden once established in neutral to slightly acid sandy soil with good drainage, adequate moisture, and shade from hot afternoon sun.

Hardiness

Zones 7–9

Height

6–12 ft.

Spread

6–10 ft.

Upright deciduous tree ultimately medium sized. Abundant small white flowers and attractive cinnamon colored bark make this a desirable ornamental. Generally easier to grow than other Stewartias. (See DIR)

Hardiness

Zones 5–8

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This lovely flowering tree in the tea family is native to Japan. It is uncommon but is probably the Stewartia most often seen in cultivation. It is a small to medium size deciduous tree that bears large white flowers with yellow stamens and has attractive exfoliating bark and good yellow to red fall color. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade with irrigation during dry periods. Dirr, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants describes it as " magnificent" and "a worthy tree for the garden". It is hardy and probably best suited in zones cooler than zone 8.

Hardiness

Zones 4–8

Bloom

Red

A rare large shrub or small tree with dark glossy evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves and 1 inch white flowers. (See HIL)

Hardiness

Zones 8–9

We are indebted to Roger Gossler of Oregon for this plant. He describes it as one of the rarest Stewartias, with a large maroon calyx that will surround the seed pods. ãVery beautifulà, he says.

This small tree of Chinese origin has showy white flowers and fall foliage that is red or reddish. The smooth whitish trunks with exfoliating bark are an important ornamental feature. It is a plant for moist but well-drained acidic soil in sun or half shade. To 15 to 25 feet. Dirr, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, says: "....a delightful small landscape plant that should be more widely used." and: "Hardy to Boston and should be pursued by discriminating gardeners."

Hardiness

Zones 5–8

Height

15–20 ft.

Spread

6–8 ft.

Bloom

Red

Thick, dark green foliage and good growth make this Stewartia collected in Yunnan, China, a very promising new plant for southern gardens. We have not been able to locate information on its flowers, ultimate size or hardiness.

Stokesia laevis is one of those rare native perennials that marries toughness with elegance, a plant that has stood its ground in the Southeastern pinelands for ages yet looks as though it belongs in the most refined cottage border. Native to the sandy, open woods and pine savannas of the Carolinas, Georgia, and the Gulf coastal plain, this Stokes' aster rises each spring from tidy, semi-evergreen rosettes of glossy leaves before sending up broad, fringed flowers in shades of sky blue, lavender, or soft cream.

Hardiness

Zones 5–9

Light

Full Sun / Part Shade

Height

12–18 in.

Spread

12–18 in.

Bloom

Blue

Plant type

Perennial

Stokes Aster is a hardy perennial with dark evergreen leaves which provide beautiful greenery during the winter months. The large daisy type flowers typically bloom in summer and are blue in the typical form but white in this one. These plants are often used in formal gardens and need well-drained soil and sunlight. Stokes Aster is native to the southern U.S. but while they are widely cultivated they are uncommon in the wild.

Hardiness

Zones 5–9

Height

12–18 in.

Spread

12–18 in.

Stokes'Aster is probably much more common in cultivation than in the wild. This most unusual selection of this choice native perennial has flower stalks up to 4 feet tall! Discovered in Georgia by Ron and Sue Dieterman of Atlanta Botanic Garden. Wild plants at original locality apparently now destroyed by development. (See ARM)