Overview
Camellia rusticana 'Nishiki Kirin' is a upright, spreading shrubs in the genus Camellia, part of the Theaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Camellia rusticana 'Nishiki Kirin' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include shrub borders, containers and woodland gardens.
About
Camellia rusticana 'Nishiki Kirin' is an evergreen shrub in the tea family (Theaceae) that flowers in January, February, March, April, October, November and December. It has an upright, spreading habit suited to partially shaded, sheltered spots. Plant on acid loam that is kept moist but well-drained, and position it on a north-, east- or west-facing aspect. Classified H5, it is hardy when given shelter from strong exposure.
About the genus
Camellia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Theaceae. They are found in tropical and subtropical areas in eastern and southern Asia, from the Himalayas east to Japan and Indonesia. There are more than 220 described species; almost all are found in southern China and Indochina.
Wikipedia contributors, "Camellia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Camellia
In the garden
Camellia rusticana 'Nishiki Kirin' is an evergreen member of the Camellia genus (Theaceae) with an upright, spreading habit and a winter-to-early-spring flowering calendar: January, February, March, April, October, November and December. Its seasonal bloom period makes it a practical choice where autumn and winter flowers are wanted beneath taller woodland trees or in shaded borders. For best results site the plant in partial shade on a loam-based, acid soil that remains moist but drains freely; avoid exposed locations as the shrub performs best in a sheltered position. A north-, east- or west-facing aspect suits it, and its H5 rating means it is classed as hardy in the UK when planted with protection from prevailing winds and cold exposure. Use Camellia rusticana 'Nishiki Kirin' in shrub borders, woodland gardens or in containers placed in a sheltered, partially shaded position. Its extended flowering span — October through April (with the exception of May–September) — provides useful late-autumn and winter interest where few other shrubs are in bloom, so place it where those seasonal flowers can be seen from paths or seating areas.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Camellia
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Camellia rusticana 'Nishiki Kirin' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Upright, Spreading
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Shrub borders, Containers, Woodland gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Camellia rusticana 'Nishiki Kirin'
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Scale insects, Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot, Camellia gall, Camellia leaf blight, Camellia yellow mottle virus, Camellia petal blight
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Camellia rusticana 'Nishiki Kirin'?
Camellia rusticana 'Nishiki Kirin' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Camellia rusticana 'Nishiki Kirin' need?
Camellia rusticana 'Nishiki Kirin' grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Camellia rusticana 'Nishiki Kirin' hardy in the UK?
Camellia rusticana 'Nishiki Kirin' 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 rusticana 'Nishiki Kirin'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
