Camellia japonica (Japanese Camellia)
Japanese Camellia, Common Camellia (Camellia japonica)
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.
Camellia japonica is the predominant species of the genus and counts over 30 000 cultivars in a wide array of flower forms and colors. Its shapely habit, handsome, glossy foliage and fabulous flowers have attracted gardeners for hundreds of years in Japan, China and Korea. Long-lived, some Japanese camellias, around the emperor's palace in Japan, are known to be more than 500 years old. Unfortunately, Japanese camellias are not always cold-hardy.
- The blooms of Japanese camellias come in every size, from miniature flowers, 1.5 in. (4 cm), to huge blossoms reaching 5 in. across (12 cm). Their color range from pure white to soft pink to dark red.
- They come in a wide array of forms and may be single, semi-double, double, formal double or full peony form. They all create a spectacular floral display from late winter to spring. The flowers on each plant usually last three to four weeks.
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- The evergreen foliage of Japanese camellias is equally prized by gardeners. The leaves are larger than those of Camellia sasanqua, usually about 4 inches long (10 cm), and more leathery. They remain deep, shiny green all year and make wonderful dense hedges.
- Slow growers, Japanese camellias are broadleaved, evergreen shrubs that may grow up to 25 feet (7.5 m), but more often reach 6-12 feet (180-360 cm) with a spread of 6-10 feet (180-300 cm).
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- Part shade lovers, Japanese camellias are best grown in consistently moist, acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils. Apply a root mulch (leaves or shredded bark) and provide a site sheltered from cold, dry winds as buds and flowers may be damaged by cold winds. Protect from early morning sun and from direct hot summer afternoon sun. Older camellia plants can thrive in full sun when they are mature enough to have their roots shaded by a dense canopy of leaves. Camellia japonica shrubs are less sun tolerant than Camellia sasanqua but slightly more cold hardy.
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Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Gorgeous Camellias
A common myth about Camellias is that they are very fussy and difficult to grow. This is not true. Camellias are exceptionally care-free plants if they are given a well-chosen site. Here are some basic rules that need to be followed to enjoy their splendid flowers.
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Guide Information
Hardiness |
6 - 10
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
7 - 8
|
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Camellias |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Winter |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders, Walls and Fences |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |
Compare All Camellias Great Plant Combination
Ideas with Camellias Guides with Camellias
carmenrieb / 123RF Stock Photo
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 |
6 - 10
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
7 - 8
|
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Camellias |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Winter |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders, Walls and Fences |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |
Compare All Camellias Great Plant Combination
Ideas with Camellias Guides with Camellias