Camellia japonica ‘Elegans’

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 rich, well-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).