Stewartia malacodendron, the silky camellia, silky stewartia or Virginia stewartia, is a large deciduous shrub or small tree, typically 3-4.5 m (10-15 ft) tall, but sometimes as tall as 9 m (30 ft). It is native to the southeastern United States. The flowers are 60-90 mm (2.4-3.5 in) wide, showy, with five white petals. The stamens have purple filaments and blue anthers. Stewartia malacodendron blooms in July and August in the northern part of its range and in April in the southern part of its range.

Stewartia malacodendron is native to Texas, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida (panhandle region), Louisiana and southern Alabama and as far north as Virginia. This tree species is listed as endangered in the US states of Arkansas and Florida.

Plants have a slow growth rate, are difficult to transplant and are a challenge to propagate. They grow best in partial shade in well draining soils.

In the UK it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Hardiness zones: 7-9

Location: Sun or shade

Seeds per packet: 5

By Melburnian - Own work, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2195393