Great Trees for Georgia Landscapes

Volume 4, Issue 17
May 22, 2013
Great Trees for Georgia Landscapes
The genus Stewartia is made up of a group of small
trees that are native to Korea, Japan, and the southeastern
U.S. The trees of Stewartia are slow-growers that feature
lovely white flowers in spring. This genus of trees is also
known for its attractive bark, which exfoliates to reveal
colors underneath in the fall and winter.
Table of Contents
Great Trees for
Georgia Landscapes
pg. 1
Garden Pathway
Progress
pg. 2
Stewartia monadelpha, or Tall Stewartia, is one of the easiest in the genus to grow, and it is the most heattolerant species, making it an good choice for your Southern
landscape. This tree features a shrubby and multi-stemmed
habit with dark green leaves that develop into a beautiful Lockerly Trustees
dark red fall color. The leaves hold late into the autumn
months. In spring, small white flowers open that are similar
David Evans,
in appearance to Camellias. The tree itself grows to heights
President
of around 20 to 30 ft. tall. Lockerly actually has the state
champion of this species located in the arboretum, meaning
Joe Mangum,
it is the largest specimen known in the state.
Vice President
Stewartia pseudocamellia is commonly known as
Japanese Stewartia. The five-petaled white flowers of this
Stewartia monadelpha
Sherrill Jones,
tree, with their golden-orange centers, Secretary/Treasurer
are extremely similar to those of
Camellia. The bark of S. pseudocamelKathy Chandler
lia exfoliates to reveal colors of gray,
Rodger Flotta
orange, and red-brown, making it a
Jan Flynn, Ph.D.
true sight for sore eyes in the middle
of a bland winter. The leaves emerge Doug R. Oetter, Ph.D.
a bronze-purple color, developing into
Taylor Quedensley,
a dark green before turning excellent
Ph.D.
shades of orange and red in the fall.
Dede Reoch
For best results, plant your Japanese
Joni Smith
Stewartia in full sun in moist, welldrained soil. In the arboretum, we have Bruce Vaughn, CFP
Al Woods
a small specimen that is growing in
Stewartia pseudocamellia blooms
shade, but hasn’t flourished in that lowlight environment.
Stewartia rostrata, or Upright Stewartia, is a rare selection that features
single, attractive white flowers and dark green foliage. The habit of this tree is small
and upright, making it an easy addition to almost any landscape. At its maximum
height, it can reach about 30 ft. tall. Unlike other Stewartias, plant this selection in
the shade with additional moisture, as our Southern summers can really inhibit the
growth of this lovely plant. We have one in the arboretum that is doing quite well.
Stewartia serrata
Stewartia serrata is commonly known as Sawtooth Stewartia, as its leathery
leaves are serrated at the edges. This small tree has a stained red base and, like other
Stewartias, cup-shaped, attractive white flowers. These flowers are small and fragrant
with yellow stamens in their center. Interestingly, this is one of the first Stewartias
to flower in spring, with its blooms appearing in early June and lasting through the
summer months. Its bark is a cinnamon-brown color and exfoliates. This tree also
sports fantastic fall color, as its leaves develop into a purple-red color come October.
At maturity, Sawtooth Stewartia can reach heights of around 25 ft. tall with an equal
spread. We do not have this species in the arboretum, but Jim Garner has one in his
landscape in Eatonton, where it has done quite well.
Garden Pathway Progress
Last week we began construction on the next portion of
Lockerly’s new Garden Pathway feature. A second flower border is
being added to the southern end of the walkway. Construction began
with grading work, grassing, and addition of topsoil. The next phase
involved installing a French drain and automatic irrigation system.
The pathway’s new plantings will consist of a variety of annuals and
perennials, centered around fifteen Rosa ‘Caldwell Pink,’ which is
one of the most durable and floriferous roses available today. It is a
repeat-flowing rose featuring lilac-pink flower clusters that does well
in most soil conditions. This rose of unknown origin was discovered
growing at an old home site in Caldwell, Texas. All of the ‘Caldwell
Pink’ roses used in this planting were grown from cuttings
propagated in Lockerly’s greenhouses.
The Garden Pathway will serve
as an enduring feature at Lockerly for
years to come. We are seeking continued
financial support from our community to
complete this important garden feature.
Please consider making a tax-deducible
donation in any amount to help us with the
cost of materials and labor to complete this
project. You can make your tax deductible
contribution to this project by filling in the
attached Gift of Support card and mail to
Lockerly Arboretum, P.O. Box 310, 30159.
Hard at work digging the trench
Finished portion on other side of walkway
Rosa ‘Caldwell Pink’