Japanese Stewartia

        Also known as deciduous camelia, this import from Japan has pretty, white flowers 3” across in June. Short lived flowers, but many over a three-week period. Winter interest with exfoliating bark. Tree will grow to 45 feet if single stemmed, but often grown with multiple stems and then to 30 feet.   Birds appear to find their branches especially attractive for building nests as we have found nests in almost all of ours. From the family Theaceae, or the tea family. Hardy to minus 20 F.  Full sun preferred, though afternoon shade welcomed in hot climates.   RHS award of Garden merit. Somewhat difficult to grow hereabouts.