The beautiful japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ is an evergreen shrub offering glossy dark green leaves and double, large flowers with densely packed blush-pink petals that bloom in late winter and early spring. It is a cultivar of Japanese camellia with a name as regal as its appearance. This is a popular garden plant loved for its showy flowers and early blooming season.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Incredibly beautiful, Camellia japonica ‘Debutante’ features medium-sized, 3 in. wide (7 cm), peony-form flowers densely packed with clear pale pink petals. Resembling roses, the fluffy and elegant blooms contrast nicely against the glossy, light green, evergreen foliage. They are produced over several months in the early to mid-season, in such profusion that this camellia becomes one of the glories of the garden when in full bloom.
Out of bloom, this camellia remains particularly handsome and provides the perfect foil for foundation plantings and perennial borders.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ prefers a partially shaded environment. It likes filtered light and cannot be exposed to harsh sunlight; direct sunlight will burn its leaves. When kept indoors, potted plants can be placed 46 to 91 cm near the window. When planted outdoors, seedlings should be shaded. More filtered light is required by adult plants, as it contributes to blooming. Insufficient sunlight for extended periods will unfavorably affect the growth of japanese camellia ‘Debutante’, resulting in thin leaves, fewer blooms, and reduced ornamental value.
Temperature
Japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ is native to China and likes warm and moist environments, but not high temperatures. The best temperature range for its growth is 18 to 25 ℃. The optimum temperature is about 20 ℃, and the recommended relative air humidity is 70-80% to avoid too-dry air.
Watering
Originating from the humid environments of East Asia, japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ thrives in conditions that mimic its native subtropical climate. This species exhibits a preference for consistent moisture and does not tolerate drought well. It is important to maintain a balance, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
The watering regimen for japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ should be once every week to align with its natural requirements. As an evergreen plant, japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ retains its foliage year-round, necessitating a steady supply of water even during cooler months when indoor heating can reduce ambient humidity.
Soil
Suitable soil for japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ is slightly acidic, moist, rich in organic matter, well-drained, and air permeable. The suitable pH value is 6-6.5. Accumulated water in the soil can lead to root rot. An example of a good culture medium ratio is 1/2 arenosols, 1/4 coco coir, and 1/4 sphagnum moss. Coco coir is high in salinity and should be washed with water before use.
Special culture medium for japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ can also be purchased. Generally, the soil should be replaced every 1-2 years to avoid soil compaction, which affects the plant’s growth. For pot planting, use a pot with a diameter larger than 46 cm.
Fertilizing
Several kinds of fertilizers can be used during this plant’s growth. In spring, there is no need to fertilize japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ immediately after repotting. In summer, slow-release nitrogenous fertilizer can be applied once during the vigorous stem and leaf growth period to make leaves greener and more luxuriant. Phosphate-potassium fertilizer can be applied 1-2 times from the time of bud appearance to blooming. Special fertilizer for japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ or Rhododendron can also be used.
Excessive fertilizer will result in yellow, lusterless leaves, growth stagnation, and bud contraction. Japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ growth, development, sprouting, and blooming will be affected in mild cases. Branches and leaves will wither and die in severe cases. At this point, fertilization must be stopped, and the soil should be replaced if necessary. Insufficient fertilizer will result in slow growth, small, thin, and yellowish leaves, and shrinking leaf buds. The frequency and concentration of fertilization should be appropriately reintroduced in this situation, rather than using too-concentrated fertilizer all at once. Control the frequency of fertilization.
Planting Instructions
Japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ can be planted in any season except during hot summers. Generally, it is best to plant japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ in spring. Dig a pit with twice the width and the same depth and height as the root ball. If planting japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ outdoors, the spacing between plants should be more than 13 cm. When backfilling the soil, mix some decomposed fertilizer in a few inches from the top of the soil.
Pruning
Japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ grows slowly, so must not be over pruned. Promptly cutting off withering flowers can reduce nutrient consumption, which helps the plant grow robustly and develop new flower buds. Cut off all weak, diseased, and downward-growing branches, as well as old branches that do not blossom on the shrub.
Propagation
Japanese camellia ‘Debutante’, a cherished ornamental species, thrives through cuttings to maintain its unique characteristics. Start with semi-hardwood stems from healthy parent plants, ensuring each cutting has multiple leaf nodes. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining soil mix, keeping the environment humid to facilitate root growth. Consistent moisture and indirect sunlight will nurture the cuttings, allowing them to establish and eventually bloom, continuing the lineage of these visually striking flowers.
Transplanting
The prime time to transplant japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ spans from the warm embrace of late spring to the gentle decline of mid-summer, ensuring roots settle in well before chill or swelter. Select a partially shaded location with well-draining soil for optimal growth. A friendly tip: ensure ample space for japanese camellia ‘Debutante”s future expansion.
Repotting
Repot japanese camellia ‘Debutante’, a lush bush with stunning flowers, every 2-3 years, best in early spring before the growth season. Use a pot one size larger to accommodate its roots without crowding. Post-repot, water thoroughly and keep in partial shade to recover. This specific care ensures japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ continues to thrive and enchant.
III. Uses and Benefits
Mass in mixed shrub borders for dramatic winter blooms. Japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ is great flowering shrub for woodland gardens or as a screen and hedge. Perfect as a specimen plant and may be effectively grown in tubs or large containers.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Japanese camellia ‘Debutante’ blooms once a year, starting between the end of winter and spring. The bloom time is relatively long, i. e. 1-2 months for most varieties. Their flowers, branches, and leaves can be cut for appreciation. The vase life of the flowers is about one week, and that of branches and leaves is 15 days. Use sharp gardening scissors to trim the base of each flowering branch obliquely at a 45° angle to increase the water absorption area. Quickly put it in a vase with clean water to avoid water loss.
