Camellia x williamsii ‘Water Lily’

A lovely formal double camellia, award-winning Camellia x williamsii ‘Water Lily’ features large, bright rose-pink flowers, 4 in. wide (10 cm), with symmetrically arranged fluted petals. Delicately rolled at their edges, the slender petals are adorned with darker pink tints at their tips. Resembling water lilies, the elegant flowers are profusely produced over a fairly long period extending from early to late season (October to May in the Northern Hemisphere; March to October in the Southern Hemisphere). Vigorous and compact, this camellia has luxuriant evergreen foliage of glossy green leaves that remains handsome year-round.

• This evergreen shrub has an upright habit and grows up to 8-15 ft. tall (240-450 cm) with a spread of 5-8 ft. (150-250 cm)
• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• 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 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 x williamsii are the first camellia hybrids. Generally blooming after the Japanese camellias, they result from the cross of Camellia japonica and Camellia saluenensis. Among the most cold-hardy camellias (inherited from the japonica parent), most of them are extremely vigorous, free-blooming, with attractive, semi-glossy, leathery leaves. Graceful shrubs, they tolerate low light intensity and bloom over a long season, providing a spectacular show. They drop their spent heads with elegance (no deadheading required!), leaving a tidy bush. They feature a wide range of habits, from dwarf to large and spreading.