Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Stewartia, 3 by Weerobin

Weerobin wrote:
I LOVE stewartias. I have many, including many different species.
My nephew recently bought a new house and wanted suggestion for a tree,
so naturally my wife and I bought him a beautiful stewartia pseudocamellia.
It came from a local reputable nursery and has a two year warranty.
It was planted last summer after the normal bloom time,
so this summer was it's first opportunity for bloom.
The tree looks healthy and happy. But the blooms aren't developing properly.
The blossoms look 'pinched off' before they open.
We had a torrential rain about the time the buds were nearly opening,
but it doesn't look like a mechanical injury to me.
What's wrong with his tree? Is it an infection? Foliage looks fine.
Meanwhile, my trees are all blooming beautifully (10 miles away).