Stewartia monadelpha

A gorgeous hardy tree with peeling rusty coloured bark, white flowers like single camellias in early summer and brilliant red autumn colour.

In the wilds this is a tall tree but in the UK generally only reach 8 metres. Can be grown in any soil that is moist but well drained in any aspect in sun to partial shade.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.