White Flower Farm
Stewartia pseudocamellia 'Ballet'
Best ornamental tree for gardeners seeking year-round landscape interest.
The Stewartia pseudocamellia 'Ballet' is a striking ornamental tree celebrated for its unique aesthetic qualities. It features beautiful, peeling gray bark that exposes underlying layers of tan and cinnamon, providing year-round interest. In midsummer, this tree produces large, Camellia-like white blossoms accented by golden yellow stamens. As the season changes, the foliage transforms into vibrant shades of burgundy and orange in the fall. Native to East Asia, this woodland species thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers full sun or light shade, making it a stunning accent in any landscape design.
$30.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
313
/ 1220
#313 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-72%
Below average
Hardiness Zone
57
/ -S/W
Who it's for
- Collectors wanting unique mid-summer floral interest
- Gardeners seeking multi-seasonal landscape beauty
- Homeowners with limited yard space
Who should skip it
- Busy homeowners unable to provide consistent early care
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate landscape impact
- Gardeners without ideal soil or sheltered planting sites
Performance breakdown
Year-round visual interest
Exfoliating bark and vibrant autumn foliage provide constant landscape appeal.
Bloom aesthetic
Elegant white blossoms offer a sophisticated, high-impact midsummer display.
Hardiness range
Limited to zones 5-7, requiring specific climate conditions for optimal growth.
Growth potential
Reaches a substantial mature height, serving as a perfect focal point.
Maintenance ease
Thrives with basic care but demands consistent moisture and well-drained soil.
Shipping readiness
Expertly timed delivery ensures the tree arrives ready for spring planting.
Key Specs
Hardiness Zone
5-7S/W
Mature Height
20-40 feet
Spacing
35 feet
Blooms In
June-July
Ships as
ONE GALLON POT
Fertilizer
10-10-10 granular, applied once in early spring
Features
- Features beautiful, exfoliating bark in shades of gray, tan, and cinnamon
- Produces large, showy white flowers resembling Camellias during midsummer
- Offers brilliant fall color display with burgundy and orange foliage
- Shipped at the right time for spring planting in your area
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and health of the Stewartia 'Ballet' upon arrival. Reviewers frequently highlight the plant's robust condition and careful packaging, which ensures successful establishment in the garden. The tree's unique aesthetic appeal, particularly its striking peeling bark and elegant white flowers, meets or exceeds expectations, confirming its status as a highly valued ornamental specimen. While the price point is premium, the perceived quality and long term beauty provide strong justification for the investment.
Know before you buy
This tree reaches a mature height of 20 to 40 feet. You should plan for a spacing of at least 35 feet to ensure it has enough room to develop its full, graceful form.
While it thrives in full sun, it also performs well in light shade. Providing consistent moisture in the soil is more critical than the specific light exposure for healthy growth and flowering.
The exfoliating bark is a natural feature of the tree and requires no maintenance. As the tree matures, it will naturally shed its outer layers to reveal the attractive tan and cinnamon colors underneath.
Apply a 10-10-10 granular fertilizer once in early spring. This single application is sufficient to support the tree's growth throughout the season.
The 'Ballet' is hardy in zones 5 through 7. If you are in the colder end of that range, ensure the tree is planted in a location with well-drained soil to prevent winter root rot.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$30