Thea Japonica Camellia japonica

Camellia is an old southern gardening favorite. It blooms in early spring when not much else is blooming and adds color to what might otherwise be considered a dreary landscape. Bloom color ranges from white to all shades of pink and red. The flower size is quite variable ranging from a two-inch diameter up to five inches.  Depending upon the camellia 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. 

Most Camellias prefer shade to part-shade with some protection from drying winter winds. All Camellias grow best in well-drained soils that are high in organic matter and slightly acidic (pH 5.5 – 6.5). They are slow to grow and slow to establish but are long-living plants in the landscape. There are some plants in Japan that are known to be over 500 years old. Because plants are slow to establish it is best to dig a large hole, 3-4 times larger than the root ball, to reduce competition for water and nutrients from surrounding trees and shrubs. After planting, use a two to three-inch layer of mulch to help maintain soil moisture around the plant. 

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. Shearing spoils the naturally attractive shape of the camellia. Prune immediately after flowering or in early summer to stimulate branching. Pruning later in the year can remove flower buds.

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves evergreen, coriaceous, serrate 
• Flowers axillary, giant (usually are double)
• Flowers late winter to early spring (Feb. - April)
• Leaves 2-3" long 

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