Document Actions
Stewartia ovata car grandiflora
I first saw this stunning and relatively rare small tree when I lived in North Carolina. A close relative of the Asian Stewartias that grace many gardens, this variety of the Southern Appalachian species has especially large and luminous blooms. The flower buds form in summer and seem to take forever to finally open. When they do, they reveal a rich white, camellia-like bloom with a thick central tuft of anthers. Typically this tuft is golden in color, but in rare individuals it is tinted the most beautiful shade of ultraviolet. Fall color is a rich red and orange on this 10-15 foot understory tree. Offered is seed from a mixed population of golden and violet individuals from the mountains of Tennessee. This is a slow species to germinate, but well worth the effort as it is virtually unavailable in the trade.
Seedlings germinate the second spring. The roots are sensitive and the seedlings should be grown in a loose potting soil in deep, narrow containers. We blend 1 part perlite with 2 parts of our seed starting mix for this species.
| Common Name | Mountain Camellia, Mountain Stewartia |
|---|---|
| Item Number | 238 |
| Price | $5 |
| Non-member | $10 |
| Zone | 5 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Range | Southeastern US |
| Exposure | sun, part sun |
| Bloom Duration | July |
| Flower Color | White |
| Height | 8-12 ft. |
| Soil Moisture | Moist |
| Germination | D |
Soil Moisture
Moist is a soil where the water table is at least one foot below the surface, but it is a soil that never dries out completely (the soil 2-6 inches below the surface should be cool and damp to the touch) or only for brief periods. Obviously, this is an ideal soil for most plants and one that in practice is difficult to find. We all have wet and dry years, but think of this as an average condition. Many gardeners rely on occasional supplemental irrigation to keep soils evenly moist, but please consider more drought tolerant alternatives if you find you need to constantly water. The addition of organic matter and a good layer of mulch will help hold water and cool the soil as well.
Germination Codes
Take these as guidelines, not as the one and only way to germinate a particular seed. Codes listed after each species indicate those that have worked reliably at Garden in the Woods - at least most of the time! All seeds should be stored dry - unless received as moist-stratified - in sealed containers in the refrigerator until time of sowing. Seed germination time varies for each species and can take from several days to many months.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| * | This symbol indicates seed stored moist to retain viability - either in a plastic bag or a plastic bag containing damp vermiculite; sow immediately upon receipt if possible. |
| A | No pretreatment necessary. Species should germinate upon sowing in a warm location (70-80° F). Sowing the seeds outdoors in early spring is the easiest method. |
| B | Species germinates after a 90-day period of moist, cold conditions (less than 40°F). Waiting until late fall and sowing the seeds outdoors in a coldframe is the easiest method. For earlier germination, sow seeds in a pot enclosed in a plastic bag and place in the refrigerator for 90 days before bringing into a warm location for germination. Many species will receive adequate stratification if placed outside before mid-February (in New England). |
| C | Species has a "double dormancy" and requires alternating cold and warm periods in order to germinate. Simply sowing the seeds outside in a seedbed or coldframe in late fall and allowing two full years for germination is the easiest method. For earlier germination, sow seeds in pots enclosed in a plastic bag and place in refrigerator for 90 days, then place uncovered pot in a warm location for 90 days. Repeat the cold treatment again either in the refrigerator or outside in late fall. Seeds will then germinate in a warm location. |
| D | In order to germinate, seeds of this species need a warm, moist period (typically 90 days), followed by a cold, moist period. Sowing the seeds outdoors in the spring and waiting one year for germination is the easiest method. For faster results, sow seeds in a warm location for 90 days, then put the pot in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 90 days before bringing it into a warm location for germination. |
| G | Seeds or spores that need high humidity and light to germinate. Best surface sown and placed in a self-sealing plastic bag indoors under grow-lights. |
| H | Seeds or spores of this species need light to germinate and should not be covered after sowing. Sow in container and water from bottom as necessary. |
| I | Seeds of this species have a hard seed coat. A light rubbing with sand paper or nail file before sowing is beneficial. |