Great Plant Pick: Orangebark Stewartia

Published 1:30 am Friday, December 3, 2021

What: Orangebark Stewartia, Stewartia monadelpha, is an outstanding tree for year-round interest. Its delicate, white, saucer-shaped flowers dot the branches in June and early July. The dark green foliage becomes a brilliant mix of rich red-orange and fire engine red in the fall. As the leaves drop, they reveal the beautiful cinnamon brown bark of the trunk and branches.

Where: Plant in full sun to light or open shade. The tree will work well in small yards. The bark is shown to perfection with a backdrop of evergreens.

Size: Grows to 15 feet by 8 feet in 10 years.

Care: Requires regular watering in summer. No serious insect or disease problems are common to this tree.

— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks