Camellia ‘Winter’s Charm’

Noted for its unique cold hardiness and its showy flowers resembling peonies, Camellia ‘Winter’s Charm’ is a gorgeous 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 over 4 to 6 weeks in late fall to early winter, each flower, 3-5 in. wide (7-12 cm), consists of 14 lavender-pink petals surrounding a prominent center of 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, slightly glossy, dark green leaves is very ornamental.

‘Winter’s Charm’ is a peony-form camellia resulting from a cross between Camellia oleifera (cold hardiness) and Camellia sasanqua ‘Takara-wase’ (flower form).

• This shrub has a spreading habit and grows up to 4-7 ft. tall (120-210 cm) and 4-5 ft. wide (120-150 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.