Common Camellia (Camellia japonica)

Common Camellia, also known by names like Japanese camellia or Camellia japonica (botanical name), is a beloved flowering shrub cherished for its stunning blooms and glossy, evergreen foliage. These elegant plants, related to the tea plant, offer a wide variety of colors, forms, and sizes, making them a versatile addition to many gardens.

At Gardencenterpoint.com, we understand the allure of these beautiful plants. We provide a complete resource to help you successfully grow and buy Common Camellia. This comprehensive guide offers everything from detailed care instructions to tips on finding the perfect variety for your landscape, and linking you to the best place to purchase them.

Common Camellias Species, Varieties, and Characteristics

The term “Common Camellia” typically refers to Camellia japonica, one of the most widely cultivated species. However, it’s essential to understand that within this species, there are thousands of cultivars, each with unique characteristics. The American Camellia Society is a key organization that registers and classifies these cultivars.

Common name	Common Camellia, Japanese Camellia
Botanical name	Camellia japonica
Family	Theaceae (Tea Family)
Genus	Camellia
Species	japonica
Origin	Eastern and Southern Asia (Japan, Korea, China)
Life cycle	Perennial
Plant type	Broadleaf Evergreen Shrub (or small tree)
Hardiness zone	Typically 7-9 (some varieties 6-10)
Sunlight	Partial Shade, Dappled Shade (Morning Sun, Afternoon Shade preferred)
Soil pH	Acidic (5.5 to 6.5)
Maintenance	Moderate
Water	Moderate (once established, somewhat drought-tolerant)
Drainage	Well-Drained (essential)
Spacing	4-15 ft. apart (depending on variety and intended use – hedge vs. specimen)
Flowering period	Late Winter to Spring (some varieties Fall, mainly C. sasanqua)
Height	6-25 ft. (depending on variety; some can be trained as small trees)
Width	6-10 ft. (some can reach wider)
Growth rate	Slow to Moderate (1-2 feet per year, under optimal conditions)
Flower color	White, Pink, Red, Yellow (rare), Bicolors, and various shades and patterns.
Flower form	Single, Semi-Double, Formal Double, Peony Form, Anemone Form, Rose Form Double
Leaf color	Glossy Dark Green
Flower benefit	Extended Bloom Season, Showy Flowers, Winter Interest
Garden style	Woodland Garden, Asian Garden, Formal Garden, Container Garden
Uses	Specimen Plant, Hedge, Screen, Foundation Planting, Container Plant
Wildlife attraction	May attract pollinators like bees (especially single-flowered varieties)
Deer resistance	Generally considered deer-resistant, but browsing may occur if other food is scarce.
Drought tolerance	Moderate, once established.
Salt tolerance	Low.
Propagation method	Cuttings, Layering and Grafting.

• Species Diversity: While C. japonica is the most common, other species like C. sasanqua (Sasanqua Camellia) and C. reticulata (Reticulata Camellia) are also popular. C. sasanqua blooms earlier, typically in the fall, and is more sun-tolerant. C. reticulata boasts some of the largest flowers but is less cold-hardy.
• Flower Forms: Camellia blooms come in a stunning array of forms:
  • Single: One row of petals, with prominent stamens.
  • Semi-Double: Two or more rows of petals, with visible stamens.
  • Formal Double: Many rows of petals, neatly arranged, hiding the stamens.
  • Peony Form: A fluffy, irregular mass of petals and petaloids (modified stamens).
  • Anemone Form: One or more rows of outer petals surrounding a central mass of petaloids. | Rose Form Double|Many rows of petals, Show central stamens when fully open.
• Bloom Time: Understanding bloom time is crucial for planning your garden. C. japonica typically blooms from late winter to spring (January to April in many regions), while C. sasanqua blooms in the fall (October to December).
• Unique characteristics: Camellias possess glossy, dark green leaves that provide year-round interest, ensuring that even when not in bloom.

Varieties

Variety	Flower Color	Flower Form	Bloom Time	USDA Hardiness Zones	Key Features
Debutante’	Light Pink	Peony	Mid-Season	7-9	Very popular; large, full, fluffy blooms.
Kramer’s Supreme’	Red	Peony	Mid-Season	7-9	Fragrant; large, deep red blooms.
Alba Plena’	White	Formal Double	Early-Mid Season	7-9	Classic variety; perfectly symmetrical, pure white flowers.
Nuccio’s Gem’	White	Formal Double	Mid-Season	8-10	Popular formal double; known for pristine white blooms. Slightly less cold-hardy than some others.
Bob Hope’	Red	Semi-Double	Mid-Late Season	7-9	Large, striking red blooms.
Yuletide’	Red	Single	Fall (Sasanqua)	7-9	Bright red with prominent yellow stamens; provides excellent fall color. A C. sasanqua type, known for earlier bloom.
Cleopatra’	Rose Pink	Semi-Double	Fall (Sasanqua)	7-9	Vigorous growth habit, A C.sasanqua type.

Planting Common Camellia

Proper planting is the foundation for a healthy, long-lived camellia. Follow these steps for success:

1. Choosing the Right Location:
   • Light: Most C. japonica varieties prefer partial shade, particularly protection from the hot afternoon sun. Morning sun and dappled shade are ideal. C. sasanqua varieties are generally more sun-tolerant.
   • Soil: Camellias thrive in well-drained, acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5). Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter like compost or peat moss to improve drainage. A study by the University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends incorporating pine bark fines to enhance soil acidity and drainage.
   • Protection: Choose a site sheltered from strong winds, which can damage blooms and desiccate foliage.
2. Timing: The best time to plant camellias is in the fall or early spring. Fall planting allows the roots to establish before the stress of summer heat or winter cold.
3. Planting Process:
   • Digging the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
   • Root Preparation: Gently loosen any circling roots around the root ball. If the plant is root-bound, make a few vertical cuts along the sides of the root ball.
   • Planting Depth: Position the camellia so that the top of the root ball is slightly above the surrounding soil level. This prevents water from pooling around the crown, which can lead to root rot.
   • Backfilling: Fill the hole with the amended soil, gently firming it around the root ball.
   • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
   • Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (pine straw, bark chips) around the base of the plant, keeping it away from the stem. Mulch helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Essential Care for Common Camellias

Consistent care is key to maintaining the health and vigor of your camellias.

1. Watering:
   • Establishment: Water newly planted camellias regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
   • Mature Plants: Once established, camellias are relatively drought-tolerant, but they benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells. Deep watering, less frequently, is better than shallow, frequent watering.
   • Watering Technique: Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote fungal diseases.
2. Fertilizing:
   • Timing: Fertilize camellias in early spring after they finish blooming. You can also apply a light feeding in late summer.
   • Type of Fertilizer: Use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, such as azaleas and rhododendrons. A slow-release fertilizer is recommended.
   • Application Rate: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Over-fertilizing can damage camellias. A general guideline is to use about 1/2 pound of a 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet of root zone area.
   • Research from Auburn University suggests that using a balanced fertilizer with micronutrients is crucial for optimal camellia growth and bloom production.
3. Pruning:
   • Timing: Prune camellias after they finish blooming.
   • Purpose: Pruning helps to:
     • Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood.
     • Shape the plant and control its size.
     • Improve air circulation, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
     • Encourage new growth and more blooms.
   • Technique: Use sharp, clean pruning shears. Make cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction. Avoid heavy pruning, as camellias do not respond well to drastic cuts. Light, selective pruning is best.

Common Camellia Pests and Diseases

Camellias are generally robust plants, but they can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases.

1. Camellia Scale:
   • Identification: Tiny, armored insects that appear as white or brown bumps on the undersides of leaves and stems. They suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and leaf drop.
   • Solution: Horticultural oil sprays can effectively control scale insects. Apply in the dormant season or during the crawler stage (when the young insects are mobile).
2. Aphids:
   • Identification: Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and buds. They also suck sap, causing distorted growth and leaf curl.
   • Solution: A strong jet of water can often dislodge aphids. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used.
3. Spider Mites:
   • Identification: Tiny mites that are difficult to see with the naked eye. They cause stippling or bronzing of the leaves.
   • Solution: Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can control spider mites. Increasing humidity around the plant can also help.
4. Camellia Petal Blight:
   • Identification: A fungal disease that causes brown spots on the flowers, eventually causing them to rot.
   • Solution: Remove and destroy infected flowers. Improve air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can be used as a preventative measure, but good sanitation is the most effective control.
5. Root Rot:
   • Identification: A fungal disease that occurs in poorly drained soil. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and dieback.
   • Solution: Prevention is key. Ensure good drainage when planting. Avoid overwatering. If root rot occurs, improve drainage and consider using a fungicide labeled for root rot control.
6. Dieback and Canker
   • Identification: Cankers appear as dark, sunken lesions.
   • Solution: Prune out infected branches, cutting well below.

Propagating Common Camellias

Camellias can be propagated through several methods:

1. Cuttings:
   • Timing: Take cuttings from semi-hardwood growth in late summer or early fall.
   • Process:
     • Select a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem.
     • Remove the lower leaves, leaving 2-3 leaves at the top.
     • Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
     • Insert the cutting into a well-draining potting mix (peat moss and perlite).
     • Keep the cutting moist and in a warm, humid environment.
     • Roots should develop in 8-12 weeks.
2. Layering:
   • Process:
     • Select a low-growing branch that can be bent to the ground.
     • Make a small wound on the underside of the branch where it will touch the soil.
     • Bury the wounded section of the branch in the soil, securing it with a stake or rock.
     • Keep the soil moist.
     • Roots should develop in several months to a year.
     • Once rooted, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant.
3. Grafting:
   • Process: This is a more advanced technique used to propagate difficult-to-root cultivars or to combine a desirable cultivar with a strong rootstock.
     • Scions (cuttings from the desired cultivar) are joined to a compatible rootstock.

Landscaping with Common Camellias

Camellias are versatile plants that can be used in various landscape settings.

• Specimen Plant: A single, well-grown camellia can be a stunning focal point in a garden.
• Hedge or Screen: Camellias can be planted in rows to create a beautiful evergreen hedge or privacy screen.
• Foundation Planting: Camellias are a good choice for planting near the foundation of a house, as long as they are not exposed to full afternoon sun.
• Woodland Garden: Camellias thrive in the dappled shade of a woodland garden, alongside other shade-loving plants.
• Container Planting: Smaller camellia varieties can be grown in containers on patios or decks.

Companion Plants

Choosing the right companion plants enhances the beauty of camellias and creates a harmonious garden design. Gardencenterpoint.com suggests selecting plants with similar cultural requirements (acidic soil, partial shade) and contrasting textures and forms.

1. Azaleas and Rhododendrons:
   • These classic companions share the same love for acidic soil and dappled shade as camellias.
   • They offer a wide range of flower colors and bloom times, providing a continuous display of color throughout the spring and, in some cases, into the summer.
   • Consider using evergreen azaleas for year-round foliage interest, or deciduous azaleas for a burst of fall color.
2. Hostas:
   • Hostas provide bold, textural contrast to the fine-textured foliage of camellias.
   • They come in a vast array of leaf colors, shapes, and sizes, offering endless design possibilities.
   • Hostas thrive in shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil.
3. Ferns:
   • Ferns add a delicate, airy texture to the garden, complementing the more structured form of camellias.
   • Many fern species are well-suited to the shade and acidic soil conditions favored by camellias.
   • Consider using evergreen ferns like Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) for year-round interest.
4. Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum):
   • The delicate, lacy foliage of Japanese maples provides a beautiful contrast to the bold leaves of camellias.
   • Many Japanese maple varieties offer stunning fall color, adding another layer of interest to the garden.
   • Choose Japanese maple varieties that are appropriate for the size of your garden and the available light conditions.
5. Pieris japonica (Japanese Andromeda):
   • Another excellent acid-loving shrub that complements camellias.
   • Pieris japonica offers attractive, drooping clusters of white or pink flowers in early spring.
   • Its new foliage often emerges in shades of bronze or red, adding another dimension of color.
6. Other Suitable Companions:
   • Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea): Offers large, showy blooms in summer, though some varieties prefer slightly less acidic soil.
   • Mahonia species: Evergreen shrubs with holly-like foliage and fragrant yellow flowers.
   • Leucothoe species: Evergreen shrubs with arching branches and attractive foliage.
   • Sarcococca hookeriana (Sweet Box): Fragrant winter-blooming shrub with glossy, evergreen foliage.
     • Helleborus (Hellebores): Offer winter and early spring blooms in a variety of colors.
     • Cyclamen (Cyclamen): Delicate, shade-loving plants with attractive foliage and flowers.

Creating a Cohesive Design

• Color Palette: Consider the color palette of your garden when selecting camellias and companion plants. Choose colors that complement each other and create the desired mood.
• Texture and Form: Combine plants with different textures and forms to create visual interest. Contrast the bold foliage of camellias with the fine texture of ferns or the lacy foliage of Japanese maples.
• Bloom Time: Strive for a succession of bloom throughout the year by selecting plants with different bloom times.
• Height and Spread: Consider the mature size of each plant and allow ample space for it to grow without crowding its neighbors. Create layers in your garden by planting taller plants in the back and shorter plants in the front.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: When do Common Camellias bloom?
  • A: Camellia japonica typically blooms from late winter to spring (January to April in many regions). Camellia sasanqua blooms in the fall (October to December).
• Q: How much sun do Common Camellias need?
  • A: Most C. japonica varieties prefer partial shade, particularly protection from the hot afternoon sun. C. sasanqua varieties are more sun-tolerant.
• Q: What type of soil do Common Camellias need?
  • A: Camellias thrive in well-drained, acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5).
• Q: How often should I water my Common Camellia?
  • A: Water newly planted camellias regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Once established, water deeply during prolonged dry spells.
• Q: How do I prune my Common Camellia?
  • A: Prune camellias after they finish blooming. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood, and shape the plant as desired.
• Q: Are camellias deer resistant?
  • A: Camellias are considered to be relatively deer-resistant, though deer may browse on them if other food sources are scarce.
• Q: What is the lifespan of a common camellia?
  • A: With proper care, common camellias can live for many decades, even centuries. Some historic camellia specimens are over 100 years old.

Common Camellia and the Future

As climate change and habitat loss become increasingly pressing concerns, the conservation of plant species, including camellias, is more important than ever.

• Sustainable Gardening Practices: Gardeners can play a role in promoting sustainability by:
  • Choosing native plants whenever possible.
  • Using organic gardening methods.
  • Conserving water.
  • Avoiding the use of pesticides that can harm beneficial insects.
• Camellia Conservation Efforts: Organizations like the American Camellia Society and botanical gardens around the world are working to conserve camellia species and cultivars. This includes:
  • Collecting and preserving rare and endangered camellias.
  • Conducting research on camellia genetics and disease resistance.
  • Educating the public about the importance of camellia conservation.
• The Role of Botanical Gardens: Botanical gardens play a crucial role in plant conservation, serving as living repositories of plant diversity. Many botanical gardens have extensive camellia collections, showcasing the beauty and diversity of these plants. Notable examples include:
  • Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens (San Marino, California): Home to one of the largest and most diverse camellia collections in the world.
  • Descanso Gardens (La Cañada Flintridge, California): Features a renowned camellia forest with thousands of plants.
  • Massee Lane Gardens (Fort Valley, Georgia): The headquarters of the American Camellia Society and home to a significant camellia collection.