Camellia Japonica (Japanese camellia ) is an evergreen woody shrub or small tree in the Theaceae (tea) family. Native to China, Korea, and parts of Japan, it has become a southern gardening favorite. The genus name Camellia is derived from Georg Josef Kamel (1706), a Jesuit missionary and naturalist who introduced Philippine flora to Europe.
Camellia prefers shade to part-shade with some protection from drying winter winds and well-drained soils that are high in organic matter and slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5). They are slow to grow and slow to establish but are long-lived plants. Because plants are slow to establish, it is best to dig a large hole, three to four times wider, but not deeper, than the root ball, to reduce competition for water and nutrients from surrounding trees and shrubs.
Bloom color ranges from white to all shades of pink and red. The flower size ranges from a 2-inch diameter up to 5 inches. Depending upon the variety, flowering may start as early as October and finish as late as mid-March. The flowers on each plant will usually last three to four weeks.
Excess sun, cold, or shade can reduce flowering. Yellow leaves may mean too little acidity in the soil. Some flower bud dropping may be natural, but sometimes may be caused by over-watering or under-watering. Limit pruning to remove dead or damaged wood, unproductive branches, and disproportionately long shoots. Prune immediately after flowering or in early summer. Pruning later in the year may sacrifice next year’s blooms. Propagate camellia by stem cuttings.
Camellia attracts pollinators and songbirds and is at home in an Asian garden, children’s garden, edible garden, or pollinator garden. They are beautiful but problematic plants. A native shrub would be a better choice.
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3 Comments
Very informative
I will bring it
,👍🏻👍🏻