dreaming of: stewartia pseudocamellia
IHAVE DECIDED TO PASS THE REST OF THIS VENGEFUL WINTER in a dream state: dreaming of plants that would make me feel better if only I could see them right now. But they’re either buried or (if they are showing any of their goodies above-ground) inaccessible to me thanks to thick ice or thigh-high snow. So today I’m dreaming of a real beauty of a tree, Stewartia pseudocamellia, whose peeling, cinnamon-colored bark probably looks smashing out there against the white carpet of my tundra, and whose white summer flowers and fiery fall foliage will shine again in their time, forces of heaven willing. Ready for its close-up?
I have been nurturing my Stewartia for the last decade in containers of steadily increasing girth, until finally I found a place of pride for it in my new garden. Now I’m frightened that I may lose it. I took great care planting it but it’s not looking good :(
If I could have only one ornamental tree this one would be it. I’ve had mine going on 20 years (and it’s only 18 feet tall- perfect scale for next to a terrace). It’s so great to have a flowering tree in early summer. Keep your Bradford Pears Home Depot… I’ll take my Stewartia any day. You won’t find this one at a big box store, find a local grower and send your garden dollars their way!
When I sit staring out the window with the intensity of our dog when he tracks squirrels, my husband calls it “mind gardening”. He’s right – I’m imagining what I’ll be doing come spring. There are nose prints on my window these days.
Welcome, Naomi. Nose and paw prints on many windows and glass doors here, too, from Jack the Demon Cat, who intently watches Cat Network TV through them much of the day. :)
that is a beautiful tree to dream on. I hope the spring gets soon to you
Thanks, Fer, and welcome. Right now it seems like it will be forever to wait, but then, suddenly, like every year…it will be upon us. See you soon!
I have a Stewartia right next to my patio. The white flowers and bright yellow centers remind us of sunny side up eggs! We love that tree and it is gorgeous to be able to look at a photo of it in full bloom.