Camellia japonica
Evergreen Shrub, Tree

USDA Zones: 6 - 9
Light: PartialShade
Height:  12 feet
Width:  8 feet
Flower Colors: shades of white, pink, and red; bi-colors available
Bloom Time: winter - early spring
Special Features:
Attractive Foliage
Containers
Flowers
Winter Interest

One of the most popular shrubs or small trees in the South, Camellias are famous for their glossy, leathery evergreen leaves and 3- to 6-inch rose-like blooms with showy yellow centers. Flowering is from late winter into spring. Thousands of varieties are available in flower colors including white, pink, red, and bicolored variations.

It typically grows to about 10 feet high by 7 feet wide, but can grow as tall as 20 feet or more. Smaller varieties can be grown in containers. Use as a specimen plant or for hedges and shrub borders.

Notable Varieties
There are thousands of Camellia cultivars. A few of the more widely planted include the following:
'Adolphe Audusson' has 6 inch red flowers.
'Betty Sheffield Supreme', is a late-blooming variety, with 4-inch red flowers.
'Berenice Boddy' is a hardier variety, with pale pink blooms.
'Lady Clare' is among the hardiest varieties, with 5-inch deep pink blossoms.
'Pink Perfection' produces 5-inch pink flower early in the season.

Care
Prune after the flowers fade to maintain the plant's shape. In colder areas, provide protection in winter. Mulch to protect the shallow roots.

Planting
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped plants in spring or fall in sun or shade (prefers partial shade) in moist, well-drained, acid soil.

Pests and Diseases
Spider mites in hot, dry spells. Spray mites directly with insecticidal soap.