Stewartia Monadelpha

Stewartia monadelpha, known as Tall Stewartia or "hime-shara" in Japan, stands out primarily for its striking copper-bronze trunk coloration and its white, almost camellia-like flowers. Growth rate is medium-fast, allowing reasonable trunk development without excessive vigor. The species responds well to hard pruning, backbudding reliably after cutbacks. However, moisture management requires attention: these trees tolerate drying out very poorly and can suffer significant setback or dieback from water stress. The combination of attractive bark, responsive growth habits, and reliable recovery from pruning makes Tall Stewartia valuable for bonsai, provided watering discipline is maintained.

Note that this species is deciduous and will not have leaves if shipped during the winter. The trees pictured are representative examples and will not be the exact trees you receive. Some may have wire for movement or branch placement.

Specifications:

• Scientific name: Stewartia monadelpha
• Height: 10"-20"
• Trunk: 3/16"-3/8"
• Hardness Zone: 6-8

Sizing Notes: 

• Regular Starts as 1-2 yr cuttings usually have narrower caliper and less development. 
• Premium Starts are a year older with the associated increase in caliper and development. 
• Premium+ Starts are 3-4 yrs old and they have been pruned at least one additional time and many have been wired at times as well.