Overview
Camellia nitidissima var. nitidissima is a bushy shrubs in the genus Camellia, part of the Theaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Camellia nitidissima var. nitidissima 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 nitidissima var. nitidissima is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Camellia genus, known for its smooth, glossy, leathery oval leaves and prominent flowers that appear mainly in early spring. This bushy plant thrives in moist but well-drained, humus-rich acidic soil and prefers partial to full shade, ideally in sheltered positions facing north or west. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suited to city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as patios and containers. It is best propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings and offers interest during both winter and spring seasons.
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 nitidissima var. nitidissima 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 nitidissima var. nitidissima
- 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 nitidissima var. nitidissima?
Camellia nitidissima var. nitidissima prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Camellia nitidissima var. nitidissima need?
Camellia nitidissima var. nitidissima 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 nitidissima var. nitidissima hardy in the UK?
Camellia nitidissima var. nitidissima 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 nitidissima var. nitidissima?
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Camellia genus
- Camellia 'Ice Follies'camellia 'Ice Follies'
- Camellia 'Scented Sun'
- Camellia caudata
- Camellia japonica 'Adelina Patti' carmine sport
- Camellia japonica 'Adolphe Audusson Variegated'
- Camellia japonica 'Benidaikagura'
- Camellia japonica 'Benten-kagura' (v)
- Camellia japonica 'Benten-tsubaki' (v)