Camellia x williamsii (Hybrid Camellia)

Hybrid Camellia

There are numerous species of Camellia (about 250), but the Camellia types commonly grown as landscape shrubs are Camellia sasanqua, Camellia japonica, and hybrids of these.

What is Camellia x williamsii?

Camellia x williamsii, also known as Williamsii Camellias, is a hybrid species originating from a cross between Camellia japonica and Camellia saluenensis. They are cherished for their stunning flowers, strong growth, and resilience.

Description and Habit: The growth habit of Camellia x williamsii varies from dwarf to large and spreading, reaching heights and widths of around 4-15 feet (1.2-4.5 meters). However, some cultivars may become larger over time. Their evergreen leaves are dark green and glossy, providing year-round interest in the garden.
Flowers: One of the key features of Camellia x williamsii is its abundance of elegant, peony-like flowers. They come in shades of pink, white, and red, with some cultivars offering bicolor blooms. These blossoms are attractive to the human eye and enticing to pollinators, especially bees. They drop their spent heads with elegance (no deadheading required!), leaving a tidy bush.
Blooming Season: Highly reliable, they enjoy an exceptionally long flowering period from late winter to mid-spring. Some varieties, such as ‘November Pink’ and ‘St Ewe’, flower over 4 or 5 months from well before mid-winter through until mid-spring. The sheer floriferousness of x williamsii camellias and their upright growing habit makes them a more attractive garden plant than the older Camellia japonica varieties.
Hardiness: Camellia x williamsii is hardy in USDA zones 7-9.

Guide Information

Hardiness	7 - 9
Heat Zones	7 - 8
Climate Zones	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type	Shrubs
Genus	Camellia
Exposure	Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid), Winter
Height	4' - 15' (120cm - 4.6m)
Spread	4' - 15' (120cm - 4.6m)
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics	Showy
Landscaping Ideas	Wall-Side Borders, Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

Camellia x williamsii ‘Anticipation’

Renowned for its popularity and ease of cultivation, Camellia x williamsii ‘Anticipation’ showcases impressive, large peony-form blooms measuring 6 inches (15 cm) wide. The deep rose-pink flowers boast six rows of guard petals and a delicate ruffle of petaloids. Blooming over an extended period, this bushy camellia features luxuriant evergreen foliage with glossy, bright green leaves, adding beauty to the landscape throughout the year.

Hardiness	7 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	7' - 15' (210cm - 4.6m)
Spread	4' - 10' (120cm - 3m)

Camellia x williamsii ‘China Clay’

Award-winning Camellia x williamsii ‘China Clay’ features semi-double flowers, 4 in. wide (10 cm), with 2 rows of sparkling white petals, occasionally flushed pink and a boss of conspicuous golden stamens. Fairly weatherproof in all but exposed locations, the exquisite flowers are profusely produced in mid season (January to March in the Northern Hemisphere; June to August in the Southern Hemisphere). Bushy, this tall camellia has a luxuriant evergreen foliage of matt green leaves that is handsome year-round.

Hardiness	7 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m)
Spread	3' - 10' (90cm - 3m)

Camellia x williamsii ‘Debbie’

A most charming and free-flowering hybrid camellia, award-winning Camellia x williamsii ‘Debbie’ features elegant, large, rose-pink flowers, 5 in. wide (12 cm), of semi-double to peony form. The exquisite flowers are profusely produced in mid-season (January to March in the Northern Hemisphere; June to August in the Southern Hemisphere). Large and vigorous, this camellia has a luxuriant evergreen foliage of glossy green leaves that is handsome year-round.

Hardiness	7 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m)
Spread	3' - 10' (90cm - 3m)

Camellia x williamsii ‘E.G. Waterhouse’

Award-winning Camellia x williamsii ‘E.G. Waterhouse’ features eye-catching, fuchsia-pink flowers, 4 in. wide (10 cm), of formal double form with many rows of imbricated petals. The pretty blooms are profusely produced in the mid to late season (January to May in the Northern Hemisphere; June to October in the Southern Hemisphere). Vigorous, this camellia forms a narrow, almost columnar shrub and has a luxuriant evergreen foliage of dark green leaves along its ascending, gray-barked branches.

Hardiness	7 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Winter
Height	8' - 15' (240cm - 4.6m)
Spread	6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m)

Camellia x williamsii ‘Elegant Beauty’

A well-deserved name for this hybrid camellia, award-winning Camellia x williamsii ‘Elegant Beauty’ features large, rose-pink flowers, 5 in. wide (12 cm), of anemone or peony form, adorned with a central mass of petaloids and darker veining. The pretty blooms are profusely produced in mid-season (January to March in the Northern Hemisphere; June to August in the Southern Hemisphere). This camellia has a luxuriant evergreen foliage along its arching branches. Emerging bronze-tinted, the leaves turn rich, dark green and remain handsome year-round.

Hardiness	7 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Camellia x williamsii ‘Les Jury’

Award-winning Camellia x williamsii ‘Les Jury’ features eye-catching, deep crimson-red flowers, 4 in. wide (10 cm), of formal double form. The pretty blooms are profusely produced in mid-season (January to March in the Northern Hemisphere; June to August in the Southern Hemisphere). Bushy and vigorous, this camellia has a luxuriant evergreen foliage of dark green leaves which emerges bronze and remains handsome year-round.

Hardiness	7 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Camellia x williamsii ‘Water Lily’

Camellia x williamsii ‘Water Lily’ is an award-winning formal double camellia. Its large, bright rose-pink flowers, measuring 4 inches wide (10 cm), have fluted petals symmetrically arranged. The edges of the slender petals are delicately rolled, with darker pink tints at the tips. Resembling water lilies, these elegant flowers bloom profusely from early to late season (October to May in the Northern Hemisphere; March to October in the Southern Hemisphere). This vigorous and compact camellia showcases luxuriant glossy green evergreen foliage, adding year-round beauty.

Hardiness	7 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	8' - 15' (240cm - 4.6m)
Spread	5' - 8' (150cm - 240cm)

Camellia x williamsii ‘Donation’

Renowned for its beauty, Camellia x williamsii ‘Donation’ is a top-tier hybrid camellia. Its large, semi-double flowers in orchid-pink, measuring 5 inches (12 cm) wide, showcase delicate deep pink veins that spread across the petals. Blooming abundantly from January to March in the Northern Hemisphere and June to August in the Southern Hemisphere, this camellia’s compact, strong-growing nature is complemented by its lush, glossy, dark green evergreen foliage.

Hardiness	7 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	8' - 15' (240cm - 4.6m)
Spread	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)

Growing Tips

Growing Camellia x williamsii successfully requires careful attention to a few key factors:

Location: Select a location that receives partial shade, as camellias can be damaged by early morning sun following a frost. They also prefer shelter from strong winds.
Soil: Camellias thrive in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If your soil is not naturally acidic, you can amend it with compost, peat moss, or other acidifying amendments.
Planting: When planting, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Position the camellia so the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill with the original soil and firm gently.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Camellias prefer deep watering as opposed to frequent light watering.
Fertilizing: Fertilize with a slow-release, acid-forming fertilizer in spring once the threat of frost has passed and again in mid-summer.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed for this camellia. If necessary, prune after flowering, removing dead or diseased branches and shaping the plant as desired.
Protection: Camellias can be susceptible to aphids, scale, and camellia flower blight. Monitor the plants regularly and treat them at the first sign of trouble.

Remember that the key to growing any plant successfully is understanding its needs and catering to them. Happy gardening!

Other Camellia Types

Camellia sinensis (Tea Plant)

Camellia japonica (Japanese Camellia)

Camellia sasanqua

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.