Kramer’s Supreme Camellia (Camellia japonica ‘Kramer’s Supreme’)

Kramers Camellia Shrub

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With salmon-colored blooms shaped like peonies, the appearance of japanese camellia ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ is second to none. This plant is a Camellia cultivar, which is likely to have been cultivated from Camellia japonica, although this is not confirmed. The cultivar’s name is equally mysterious, with no given explanation as to why it was called “Kramer’s Supreme.”

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Delightfully fragrant and vigorous, award-winning Camellia japonica ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ features large, brilliant red, peony-form blossoms, 5 in. wide (12 cm), opening to reveal a dazzling array of golden stamens. They are produced over several months in mid-season (January – March in the Northern Hemisphere; June – August in the Southern Hemisphere), in such profusion that this camellia becomes one of the glories of the spring garden when in full bloom. The lustrous foliage of glossy dark green leaves is evergreen and very ornamental year-round.

Kramer's Supreme Camellia (Camellia japonica 'Kramer's Supreme')

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Japanese camellia ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ 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 ‘Kramer’s Supreme’, resulting in thin leaves, fewer blooms, and reduced ornamental value.

Temperature

Japanese camellia ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ 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

Kramer's Supreme Camellia (Camellia japonica 'Kramer's Supreme')

Originating from the humid environments of East Asia, japanese camellia ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ thrives in consistently moist soil, reflecting its preference for a stable water supply akin to its native setting. It exhibits moderate drought tolerance but flourishes with regular moisture. To maintain optimal hydration, japanese camellia ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ requires watering every week. Cultivated primarily as an ornamental outdoor shrub, japanese camellia ‘Kramer’s Supreme”s glossy evergreen foliage benefits significantly from mulching, which helps retain soil moisture and mimics the leaf litter of its natural habitat.

Soil

Suitable soil for japanese camellia ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ 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 ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ 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 ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ 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 ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ or Rhododendron can also be used.

Kramer's Supreme Camellia (Camellia japonica 'Kramer's Supreme')

Excessive fertilizer will result in yellow, lusterless leaves, growth stagnation, and bud contraction. Japanese camellia ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ 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 ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ can be planted in any season except during hot summers. Generally, it is best to plant japanese camellia ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ in spring. Dig a pit with twice the width and the same depth and height as the root ball. If planting japanese camellia ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ 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 ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ 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

Kramer's Supreme Camellia (Camellia japonica 'Kramer's Supreme')

Japanese camellia ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ is a popular ornamental variety known for its large, fragrant blossoms. To propagate japanese camellia ‘Kramer’s Supreme’, cuttings are the most effective method. Begin with semi-hardwood stem cuttings taken from healthy, vigorous plants. Use a rooting hormone to enhance root development and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the environment has high humidity and consistent warmth to foster growth. Careful attention to watering and avoidance of direct sunlight until roots establish will ensure successful propagation of japanese camellia ‘Kramer’s Supreme’.

Transplanting

Japanese camellia ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ thrives when transplanted from late spring to early summer, allowing roots to establish in warmer soil. Choose a partially shaded spot with well-drained, acidic soil. Ensure to water regularly but avoid waterlogging to promote healthy growth.

III. Uses and Benefits

Kramer's Supreme Camellia (Camellia japonica 'Kramer's Supreme')

Japanese camellia ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ is great flowering shrub for woodland gardens or as a screen and hedge. It is perfect as a specimen plant and may be effectively grown in tubs or large containers.

IV. Harvesting and Storage

Japanese camellia ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ 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.

Kramer’s Supreme Camellia (Camellia japonica ‘Kramer’s Supreme’) Details

Common name

Kramers Camellia Shrub

Botanical name

Camellia japonica 'Kramer's Supreme'

Plant type

,

Hardiness zone

, ,

Growth rate

Height

8-12 ft.

Width

6-10 ft.

Dimensions
Dimensions 63630675053 × 63630675017 cm
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