Thea Japonica 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 removal of 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.

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves are 2 to 3 inches long.
• Leaves are glossy, leathery.
• Leaves evergreen, coriaceous, serrate 
• Flowers axillary, giant (usually are double)
• Flowers late winter to early spring (February to April)

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Scale can be a troublesome insect pest. Aphids, planthoppers, and spider mites may also cause problems.  Camellias are susceptible to a number of fungal diseases including leaf spots, anthracnose, viruses, black mold, petal blight, canker, and root rot.  All camellias are susceptible to petal blight fungus (Ciborinia camelliae). If petal blight occurs (browning that runs from edges to the center), all infected plant parts should be promptly removed. They are intolerant of alkaline soils.  Yellow leaves with green veins may indicate chlorosis which can be treated by adding iron chelates to the soil.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.