An American Southeast native from eastern TX to the Florida panhandle, up into southern VA, listed as endangered in Arkansas and Florida. Occurs intermittently along streams in dappled shade where it is never plentiful. We find it's not as difficult to grow as the literature suggests. Attentive root system care is key. Just like Japanese Stewartia, this species won't tolerate over watering, wide swings in soil temperature, or excess container media salt. In-ground growing moderates soil temperature swings in contrast to above ground, but don't grow this plant to harvest bare-root or B&B from the field. Grow bags or the pot-in-pot growing system will keep roots near ground temperature. Partial shade is important, especially midsummer in the late afternoon.
