About

This evergreen shrub, which can also develop into a small tree, grows slowly and has an upright to spreading shape. It features ovate leaves that are glossy and deep green. In milder climates, you can expect large, semi-double pink blooms to emerge during both spring and winter.

About the genus

Camellia consists of evergreen shrubs featuring smooth, oval leaves that are glossy and leathery. These plants produce prominent flowers, which may appear either singly or in clusters, primarily in the early part of the year.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full shade, Partial shade
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs, Trees
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright, Spreading branched
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Cultivation
Suitable for woodland and acidic soils. Position in a site sheltered from cold, dry winds and early morning sun as buds and flowers may be damaged by cold winds and late frosts see camellia cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 8
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and vine weevil
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), phytophthora root rot, camellia gall, camellia leaf blight, camellia yellow mottle virus and flowers and camellia petal blight