Camellia x williamsii ‘Donation’

Regarded as one of the finest hybrid camellias, award-winning Camellia x williamsii ‘Donation’ features large, semi-double, orchid-pink flowers, 5 in. wide (12 cm), adorned with a delicate pattern of deep pink veins which radiate across the petals. The pretty flowers are profusely produced in mid-season (January to March in the Northern Hemisphere; June to August in the Southern Hemisphere). Vigorous, compact, and strong-growing, this camellia has luxuriant evergreen foliage of glossy, dark green leaves that is handsome year-round.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society and the US National Hall of Fame Award.
• This evergreen shrub has an upright habit and grows up to 8-15 ft. tall (240-450 cm) with a spread of 8-10 ft. (240-300 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 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.
• Apply a root mulch (leaves or shredded bark)
• Prune after flowering. Prune to thin branching and to 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.