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.

• This evergreen shrub has an upright, but open habit and grows up to 6-15 ft. tall (180-450 cm) with a spread of 3-10 ft. (90-300 cm)
• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• A part shade to full shade lover, this plant is best grown in consistently moist, acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils. 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.
• May be attacked by aphids, scale insects and vine weevil
• Mass in mixed shrub borders for dramatic winter blooms. Great flowering shrub for woodland gardens or as screen and hedge. Perfect as a specimen plant and may be effectively grown in tubs or large containers.
• Apply a root mulch (leaves or shredded bark)
• Prune after flowering. Prune to thin branching and to control size and shape.

Camellia x williamsii are the first camellia hybrids. Generally blooming after the Japanese camellias, they result from the cross of Camellia japonica and Camellia saluenensis. Among the most cold-hardy camellias (inherited from the japonica parent), most of them are extremely vigorous, free-blooming, with attractive, semi-glossy, leathery leaves. Graceful shrubs, they tolerate low light intensity and bloom over a long season, providing a spectacular show. They drop their spent heads with elegance (no deadheading required!), leaving a tidy bush. They feature a wide range of habits, from dwarf to large and spreading.