Korean Fire Camellia is an award-winning Japanese camellia cultivar, noted for its single, funnel-shaped flowers that come in a gorgeous shade of bright red. The flowers are further distinguished by their rich yellow stamens. The cultivar is also selected to be more cold-hardy compared to the origin species.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Extremely hardy, award-winning Camellia japonica ‘Korean Fire’ is a lovely spring-blooming Japanese camellia with masses of single, funnel-shaped, deep red flowers and a conspicuous center of golden-yellow stamens. The blooms are produced over a fairly long period in the late season (March-May in the Northern Hemisphere; August – October in the Southern Hemisphere). They contrast beautifully with the evergreen foliage of glossy dark green leaves. This glorious camellia can be successfully grown in regions as cold as USDA Zone 6B.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Korean Fire Camellia 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 ‘Korean Fire’, resulting in thin leaves, fewer blooms, and reduced ornamental value.
Temperature
Korean Fire Camellia 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 understory of Eastern Asian forests, Korean Fire Camellia thrives in environments with consistent moisture and high humidity. This species exhibits a preference for evenly moist soil conditions, demonstrating moderate drought tolerance. To mirror its natural habitat, japanese camellia ‘Korean Fire’ benefits from watering every week.
As an evergreen plant, Korean Fire Camellia retains its foliage year-round, necessitating a steady water supply to maintain its glossy leaves. Typically grown outdoors due to its size and ornamental value, japanese camellia ‘Korean Fire’ flourishes when soil moisture is monitored closely to align with seasonal rainfall patterns.
Soil
Suitable soil for Korean Fire Camellia 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 Korean Fire Camellia 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 Korean Fire Camellia 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 ‘Korean Fire’ or Rhododendron can also be used.
Excessive fertilizer will result in yellow, lusterless leaves, growth stagnation, and bud contraction. Korean Fire Camellia 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
Korean Fire Camellia can be planted in any season except during hot summers. Generally, it is best to plant japanese camellia ‘Korean Fire’ in spring. Dig a pit with twice the width and the same depth and height as the root ball. If planting japanese camellia ‘Korean Fire’ 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
Korean Fire Camellia 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
Korean Fire Camellia boasts resilience and stunning blooms, making it an excellent candidate for cuttings. For optimal rooting, semi-ripe stem cuttings should be taken, with several leaves attached, and planted in a mixture of peat and perlite or sand, ensuring adequate moisture and indirect light. Rooting hormone can expedite the process, and maintaining a stable environment within a greenhouse or under a plastic cover will support growth. Once roots establish, gradual acclimatization before transplanting into the garden will ensure a successful propagation.
Transplanting
Transplant Korean Fire Camellia when the warmth of late spring unfurls to midsummer’s embrace, ensuring roots settle with milder temperatures. Choose a part-shaded location with well-draining soil. Gentle handling is crucial to avoid stress or damage to the tender roots.
III. Harvesting and Storage
Korean Fire Camellia 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.
