Camellia japonica 'Don Mac'
Camellia 'Don Mac', 'Don Mac' Camellia, Fall Blooming Camellias, Winter Blooming Camellias, Spring Blooming Camellias, Early to Late Season Camellias
Gracing American gardens for decades, Camellia japonica 'Don Mac' achieved instant popularity when it was released in the 1950s. Each large semi-double bloom, 5.5 in. wide (13 cm), boasts 21 dark red, crepe-like, crinkled petals enclosing prominent golden stamens in the center of the blossom. The flowers are profusely produced over a fairly long period extending from early to late season (November to April in the Northern Hemisphere; April to September in the Southern Hemisphere). Forming an attractive dense, pyramidal shrub, this Japanese camellia adds year-round interest to the garden with its evergreen, leathery, dark-green, 4 in. leaves (10 cm).
- This evergreen shrub has an upright oval habit and grows at an average growth rate, up to 10-15 ft. tall (300-450 cm) and 5-10 ft. wide (150-300 cm)
- A part 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 japonica is the pre-eminent species of the genus and counts over 30 000 cultivars in a wide array of flower forms and colors. The blooms can reach 5 in. across (12 cm) and create a gorgeous floral display from late winter to spring. They range in color from pure white to soft pink to dark red and may be single, semi-double, double, formal double or full peony form. Slow grower, this broadleaved, evergreen shrub may grow up to 25 feet (7.5 m), but more often to 6-12 feet (180-360 cm) with a spread of 6-10 feet (180-300 cm). Its shapely habit, handsome, glossy foliage and fabulous flowers have attracted gardeners for hundreds of years in Asia. 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 (USDA Hardiness Zone 7 – 9).
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.Read More
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Requirements
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, H1 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Camellia |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid) Fall Winter |
Height | 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m) |
Spread | 5' – 10' (150cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 60" – 120" (150cm – 300cm) |
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, Showy, Evergreen |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |
Image: 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.
Requirements
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, H1 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Camellia |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid) Fall Winter |
Height | 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m) |
Spread | 5' – 10' (150cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 60" – 120" (150cm – 300cm) |
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, Showy, Evergreen |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |