Japanese Stewartia. When one speaks of Stewartia, this is the one that usually comes to mind. Its patchy exfoliating bark is legend and this is reason enough to plant the tree. But it has 2-3" singe white flowers with prominent anthers which grace the tree here starting in May. I have had many reservations whether this species would perform for us in zone 8. I am convinced if it is planted in filtered sun with adequate moisture, that it will do quite well. But don't expect it to subsist on its own in our prolonged hot droughts if it is not watered. And don't site it in full afternoon sun either. Since it is in the Camellia family, Theaceae, one should plant this species quite shallowly.
Zones 4-9
