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 cultivar of the Camellia genus, which is known for its smooth, glossy, leathery oval leaves and prominent flowers appearing mainly in early spring. This cultivar has an upright, spreading habit and thrives in moist but well-drained, acidic loam soil. It prefers partial shade and sheltered conditions, ideally in north, east, or west-facing positions. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for shrub borders, containers, and woodland gardens, with interest in both winter and spring seasons.
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.
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.
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)
