Camellia japonica

Japanese Camellia

Japanese Camellias are large evergreen shrubs with leathery, glossy, oval-shaped evergreen leaves that stay deep green year-round.   Flower buds typically appear in clusters mid-summer and bloom in winter.  The flowers come in various colors and styles that range from single to semi-double, double, and peony-like which attracts butterflies.  Best blooms occur in partial sun and acidic, well-drained soil.  The size of the flowers can be increased by removing all but one bud in a cluster. 

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Medium maintenance. Too much water retention can increase susceptibility to fungal diseases, including root rot, black mold, blight, canker, anthracnose, and leaf spots.  Watch for aphids and spider mites.   Yellowing leaves indicate acidity too low. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer.  Prune immediately after flowering.

LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Naturalized Areas, Screening, Foundation Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Azalea, Witch Hazel, Lily of the Valley

IMAGES:  Christoph Münch, Dresden Pillnitz - Kamelienblüte, Foto Christoph Münch, CC BY-SA 3.0, (2) The original uploader was Semnoz at French Wikipedia., 20040413 Camellia Japonica, CC BY-SA 3.0

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.