Silky Camellia

[SAMPLE] Stewartia malacodendron

$34.00 Sold out
USDA Zones 7–9 Part Shade Matures 10–18 Feet

Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery

Healthy-arrival guarantee Free shipping over $150
Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
Shipping later in the season? Schedule your delivery date in your cart.
The Full Story

Silky camellia is among the most beautiful and elusive of native flowering trees. Through late spring and early summer, silken white blossoms centered with violet stamens open across the canopy, followed by glowing autumn color. An aristocratic understory tree for the patient woodland gardener.
Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 7–9
Sun
Part Shade
Soil
Moist, Well-drained
Mature size
Height 10–18 Feet · Spread 8–12 Feet
Growth rate
Slow
Seasonality
Deciduous
Design Notes

One of the loveliest and rarest of native flowering trees, best sited as an understory specimen where the early-summer flowers can be admired up close. These plants ask for shelter from harsh sun and wind, and reward patience with an exquisite bloom. Beautiful among rhododendrons, ferns, and woodland companions.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

White with purple stamens, May to June

Flower. In late spring and early summer, silken white flowers open across the canopy, each cupped bloom centered with a striking boss of purple filaments and blue-tinged anthers, camellia-like and fleeting.

Foliage. Deciduous leaves of soft green turn warm orange and red in autumn.

Fruit. Small woody capsules follow, ripening through the season.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light: Dappled part shade; protect from hot afternoon sun.

Soil: Moist, acidic, humus-rich and well-drained; resents heavy clay.

Water: Keep consistently moist; never let the roots dry out.

Pruning: Rarely needed; remove only dead or crossing wood.

Hardiness: USDA zones 7 to 9.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.