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Camellia reticulata is often confused with:
Camellia japonica Camellia japonica
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Tetragona Aurea' Form
Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii Juniperus chinensis 'Sargentii'
Nerium oleander 'Hardy Pink' Flowers - Sept. 15 - Wake Co., NC
Camellia reticulata has some other problems:
Frost Damage

Yennan Camellia Camellia reticulata

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
ka-MEE-lee-ah reh-tick-yoo-LAY-tah
Description

Camillia reticulata is the tallest and has the largest flower in its species.  It is typically grown as a shrub, growing to 12' in height, however, growth as a tree can reach heights of 50'.  

This open, loose broadleaf evergreen can be found growing in the wild, with red or pink flowers up to 4" wide.  Hybrids are larger, with 6-10" blooms.  The flowers which are located at the tips of the branches have wavy, somewhat curly petals.  This gives a variety of forms to the flowers.  The weight of the mostly semi-double blooms tends to give the branches an arching form.

The origin of this species is in open woodlands having evergreen and deciduous oak forming an overstory along with several pine species.  The soil in these areas tends to be loose, acidic and organic, perfect conditions for optimal growth.

In the garden, locate in an area simulating its natural setting.  Loose, acidic soil, good light with protection from the strong, hot afternoon sun and good drainage.  This species is very susceptible to cold temperatures and frost.

This plant is mildly resistant to damage by deer.

Insects and Diseases: Camellias are susceptible to viruses and some fungal diseases such as dieback, cankers, flower blight, and root rot.  Watch for scales, aphids, plant hoppers and spider mites as they can be problematic when plants are stressed.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common camellia diseases and insect pests.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • ‘Crimson Candles’
‘Crimson Candles’
Tags:
#evergreen#red flowers#low maintenance#deer resistant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • ‘Crimson Candles’
‘Crimson Candles’
Tags:
#evergreen#red flowers#low maintenance#deer resistant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Camellia
    Species:
    reticulata
    Family:
    Theaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Root Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    China (SW. Sichuan, Yunnan, W. Guizhou)
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Buffer
    Screening
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Mildly deer resistant
    Dimensions:
    Height: 8 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    12-24 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Width:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    The 3 segmented capsule is .5-1.5" in diameter.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Winter
    Flower Petals:
    7 - 20 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    > 6 inches
    Flower Description:
    5-10 in. flowers with curly, waxy petals with ruffled edges in late winter to mid-spring
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Boasts 3-5" dark green, heavily serrated leaves with a dull matte finish.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Gray
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Slope/Bank
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Barrier
    Border
    Flowering Tree
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer