Overview

Camellia japonica 'Lavinia Maggi Alba' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Camellia, part of the Theaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Camellia japonica 'Lavinia Maggi Alba' grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants.

About

Camellia japonica 'Lavinia Maggi Alba' is an evergreen shrub cultivar within the Camellia genus, known for its bushy habit and smooth, glossy, leathery leaves. It produces prominent flowers primarily in the early part of the year, with interest in both winter and spring seasons. This cultivar thrives in moist but well-drained, humus-rich acidic soil, preferring partial shade and sheltered positions such as north or west-facing aspects. Suitable for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as patio and container planting, it is hardy to UK zone H5 and can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Camellia

Sunlight
Full shade, Partial shade
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Camellia japonica 'Lavinia Maggi Alba' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Camellia japonica 'Lavinia Maggi Alba'

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

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Camellia japonica 'Lavinia Maggi Alba'?

Camellia japonica 'Lavinia Maggi Alba' prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Camellia japonica 'Lavinia Maggi Alba' need?

Camellia japonica 'Lavinia Maggi Alba' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

Is Camellia japonica 'Lavinia Maggi Alba' hardy in the UK?

Camellia japonica 'Lavinia Maggi Alba' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Camellia japonica 'Lavinia Maggi Alba'?

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.

More in the Camellia genus

Browse all Camellia