About
This robust, upright evergreen shrub features glossy, dark green leaves that are elliptic in shape and have finely serrated margins. In early to mid-spring, it produces large, peony-shaped red flowers that can reach up to 15 cm in diameter.
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
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Prefers acidic soil with plenty of organic matter and good drainage. Position in light shade, and shelter from cold, dry winds and early morning sun, as buds and flowers may be damaged by cold winds and late frosts. See camellia cultivation for more detailed advice
- Pruning
- Pruning group 8 (evergreens), after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer, or by grafting in late winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and vine weevils
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus, phytophthora root rot, camellia gall, camellia leaf blight, and camellia yellow mottle virus. Flowers may be infected by camellia petal blight