Stewartia Flowers Do Not Open Fully Or Do Not Last More Than One Day

Question From: Fair Lawn, New Jersey, United States
Q: Planted a Stewartia tree this spring. It is on the East (morning side of the house, part shade during the day. 15 minutes of sprinklers daily. Many buds, but flowers stayed for half a day and fell. Still many buds now, but after a period of rains, buds half open, rot and fall. Seeming well-drained soil. What's the matter, what to do?

A:
Your tree needs more water. Get a bubbler or run the hose at slow rate so it puts out 5 or more gallons of water two or three times a week throughout the summer. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.