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Description
Stewartia Monadelpha, also known as the tall stewartia, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Theaceae family. This plant is native to the southeastern United States and is known for its beautiful white flowers that bloom in the summer. The tree can grow up to 50 feet tall and has a spread of 20 feet. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the bark of the tree is smooth and gray. The tree’s fruits are small, brown capsules that are approximately 1 inch in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Theaceae |
| Genus | Stewartia |
Appearance
Stewartia Monadelpha is a beautiful tree that can add elegance to any garden or landscape. The tree has a pyramidal shape, with a single trunk and branches that grow upward. The leaves are oval-shaped and have serrated edges. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful reddish-orange color before falling off. The flowers of the tree are white, with yellow centers, and are approximately 2 inches in diameter. The bark of the tree is smooth and gray, and it peels off in patches to reveal a smooth, copper-colored bark underneath.
Care Guide
Stewartia Monadelpha is relatively easy to care for, but it does require some attention to thrive. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:- Water: The tree needs regular watering, especially during the summer months. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: The tree benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.- Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting the tree in soil that is too heavy or compacted.- Sunlight: The tree prefers partial shade, but it can tolerate full sun if it is well-watered.- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all plants, Stewartia Monadelpha is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some common issues to watch out for:- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves of the tree. It can be treated with fungicides.- Scale insects: These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. They can be controlled with insecticides.- Spider mites: These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and become dry and brittle. They can be controlled with insecticides.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating to appear on the leaves of the tree. It can be treated with fungicides.
Habitat
Stewartia Monadelpha is native to the southeastern United States and is typically found in wooded areas, along streams, and in other wetland habitats. The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and it can tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Stewartia Monadelpha?
A: The tree needs regular watering, especially during the summer months. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the best fertilizer to use on this plant?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Q: What are some common pests that can affect my Stewartia Monadelpha?
A: Scale insects and spider mites are common pests that can affect this tree.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for this plant?
A: The tree is hardy in zones 6-9.
Related Plants
– Stewartia Malacodendron- Stewartia Pseudocamellia- Stewartia Sinensis- Stewartia Serrata
References
– “Stewartia monadelpha.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m210.- “Stewartia Monadelpha.” North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/stewartia-monadelpha/.
