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Camellia x williamsii (Hybrid Camellia)

Hybrid Camellia

Camellia, Camellias, How to grow Camellias, Camellias bloom time, Camellia bloom season, Camellia x williamsii,Hybrid Camellia, Winter Blooming Camellias, Cold hardy Camellias, Spring Blooming Camellias,

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 Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

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

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Gorgeous Camellias
Which Camellia is Right for my Garden?
Best Companion Plants for Camellias
Most Fragrant Camellias
Cold Hardy Camellias
How to Espalier a Camellia
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Camellia
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.

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 Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Camellia
Compare Now
Guides with
Camellia

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