Alphabetical Plant Listing

Camellia japonica 'Elegans'

Camellia 'Elegans', 'Elegans' Camellia, Camellia japonica 'Chandleri Elegans', Camellia japonica 'Chandleri Rubra', Camellia japonica 'Red Elegans', Camellia japonica 'Rosea Chandleri', Fall Blooming Camellias, Winter Blooming Camellias, Spring Blooming Camellias, Early to Mid Season Camellias


Vigorous, Camellia japonica 'Elegans' has been, and continues to be, widely grown worldwide since its introduction in 1831. This splendid camellia features large to very large, 4-5 in. wide (10-12 cm), lovely deep pink, anemone-form, double flowers with central petaloids (small petals) occasionally spotted white. The blooms are produced over several months in early to mid-season, in such profusion that this camellia becomes one of the glories of the spring garden when in full bloom. They make a lovely contrast with the glossy, dark green evergreen foliage.

  • This medium-sized evergreen shrub has a spreading habit and grows at a medium rate, up to 10 ft. tall (300 cm) and 7 ft. wide (210 cm)
  • A part shade to full shade lover, this plant is best grown in consistently moist, acidic, organically richwell-drained soils. Provide a site sheltered from cold, dry winds as buds and flowers may be damaged by cold winds. Protect from the early morning sun and from the 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 a 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 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

Not sure which Camellia to pick?
Compare All Camellia

Buy Camellia japonica 'Elegans'

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, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Fall
Winter
Height 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m)
Spread 6' – 7' (180cm – 210cm)
Spacing 84" (210cm)
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

Buy Plants

Guides with Camellia


Images: Jim's Camellia, Botanik Foto

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, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Fall
Winter
Height 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m)
Spread 6' – 7' (180cm – 210cm)
Spacing 84" (210cm)
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

Guides with Camellia

Plant Calculator

How many Camellia japonica 'Elegans' do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Camellia japonica 'Elegans'

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.