Our mountain camellia (aka: Stewartia ovata) is in full flower this week at JLBG. Despite its reputation as being difficult to grow, our plant has reached 12′ tall after a decade in the ground. This native deciduous small tree can be found from Virginia south to Alabama, centered on the spine of the Appalachian mountains. Hardiness is Zone 5-8.
Excellent post! I plan to try this in the future, as some populations grow within 15-20 mi of my home. Any tips on cultivation? The ones near us seem to be on silty streambanks that never dry out, which would be harder for us to achieve.
Our plant is on a well drained berm, with regular irrigation and full sun all day. Amended sandy loam with compost, pH @ 6.2