Stewartia pseudocamellia
Stewartia pseudocamellia | |
Light: | |
Moisture: | |
Hardiness: | 5 |
Soil pH: | 5.6-7.3 |
Height: | 49' |
Width: | 26' |
Blooms: | Mid Summer-Late Summer |
Native to: | |
Edible Rating: | |
Tea: | Yes |
Stewartia pseudocamellia
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in an outdoor seedbed if there is sufficient seed[1]. Stored seed is best soaked for 3 days in warm water and then given 3 - 5 months warm stratification followed by 3 months cold stratification at 5°c, it can take 18 months to germinate[1]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in early summer.
Cuttings of short side branches, 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[2][3]. One report says it is best to keep the cuttings growing through the winter if possible[2] whilst another says they should be allowed to become dormant once they have rooted[3].
Layering.
Cultivation: Requires a deep humus-rich moist but not boggy soil[3]. Dislikes limey soils, preferring peaty conditions[4][3]. Prefers a position with some shade, at least from the midday sun[3]. Another report says that it prefers a sunny sheltered position[4].
Hardy to about -20°c[3].
Resents root disturbance, plants should be put in their permanent positions as soon as possible[4][3].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[3].
Range: E. Asia - C. and S. Japan.
Habitat: Semi-shaded habitats in moist woodland in mountains[5][3].
Edibility: Young leaves - cooked[6].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Also Known As: Stuartia pseudocamellia. Maxim.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ Ohwi, Jisaburo. Flora of Japan. Smithsonian Institution, 1965.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.