Camellia ‘Pink Icicle’

Vigorous and pretty, Camellia ‘Pink Icicle’ is an eye-catching camellia with very large, 4.5 in. wide (11 cm), shell pink flowers, blooming in mid-season (late winter to spring, depending on your area). The peony-form blooms consist of rabbit ear petals elegantly intermingled with petaloids (small petals) and golden stamen. The evergreen foliage of small, glossy, oval-shaped, dark green leaves makes a lovely foil for the large flowers. Developed by Dr. William Ackerman of the United States National Arboretum, this camellia hybrid is cold tolerant and can be successfully grown in regions as cold as USDA Zone 6b.

• This shrub has an upright, compact form and grows vigorously up to 6-10 ft. tall (180-250 cm) and 4-6 ft. across (120-180 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 the early morning sun and the direct hot summer afternoon sun.
• Camellias are susceptible to some viruses and fungal diseases, including leaf spots, anthracnose, black mold, petal blight, canker, and root rot. Watch also for aphids, planthoppers, and spider mites.
• 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.