Camellia ‘Polar Ice’

Gracing the garden in fall and winter, Camellia ‘Polar’s Ice’ is an eye-catching early-season camellia from the U.S. National Arboretum Collection. Tough and reliable, this evergreen camellia can be successfully grown in regions as cold as USDA Zone 6b. Blooming profusely over 4 to 6 weeks in fall (October, November), each flower, 3-4 in. across (7-10 cm), consists of 12 snow-white petals surrounding a convex mass of intermingled petaloids (small petals) and golden stamens. Petals are shed individually when blooms are completed, eliminating the need for any deadheading by the gardener. The foliage of leathery, glossy, dark green leaves with crenate to moderately serrate margins is very ornamental.

‘Polar’s Ice’ is an anemone form Camellia resulting from a cross between Camellia oleifera (cold hardiness) and Camellia ‘Frost Princess’ (flower form).

• This shrub has moderately vigorous growth, up to 5-6 ft. tall and across (150-180 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 from 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. 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.