Camellia japonica

Camellia Japonica Varieties

Camellia japonica, also known as the common camellia or Japanese camellia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Theaceae. It is native to eastern and southern Asia, from Japan to Korea and China. It is a beautiful evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 m tall and 3 m wide, and is known for its stunning display of showy flowers in late winter and early spring. The flowers come in a wide range of colours, including white, pink, red, and yellow, and may be either single, semi-double, or double. Camellia japonica varieties are a popular choice for landscaping because they are relatively easy to care for. They generally prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, and are relatively pest- and disease-resistant.

Camellia japonica Pink Varieties

The Plant Company has the largest number of Camellia japonica pink varieties available in NZ. These are presented below and each variety has plenty of detail in the link to help you find the one you’re after.

• Camellia Ave Maria – Light Pink
• Camellia Ballet Dancer – Light Pink
• Camellia Bambino – Dark Pink
• Camellia Dr Tinsley – Light Pink

Popular Camellia Japonica Varieties

There are literally thousands of different Camellia japonica varieties and some of the more popular cultivars include:

• Camellia 'Avalanche' - This cultivar has masses of white flowers.
• Camellia 'Nuccio's Pearl' - This cultivar has large, double white flowers.
• Camellia 'Debutante' - This cultivar has medium-sized, pink flowers.
• Camellia 'Mark Alan' - This cultivar has large, red flowers.
• Camellia 'Nicky Crisp' – Features beautiful pink flowers.

If you are looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance flowering shrub for your landscape, Camellia japonica is a great option. We have plenty more Camellia japonica varieties to peruse!

Sun Tolerant Camellia japonica

There are a lot of false reports than Camellias need to grow in partial shade. This is not the case in NZ as our climate means Camellias can be grown in full sun without issue. The Plant Company produces thousands of Camellia plants in full sun every year without issue. The watch out, however, is that if a Camellia plant has been growing in a shaded spot and is then moved into direct sun, leaf pigment damage can occur. Plants need to become acclimatized to bright light over a period of two weeks to prevent such injury. Given The Plant Company produces Camellias in full sun, no such acclimation is required.

Yellow Camellia Japonica Varieties

The two most popular yellow Camellia japonica cultivars are Camellia 'Jury's Yellow' and Camellia 'Brushfield's Yellow'. While both are described as yellow, they tend to be more cream-yellow in colour. They are both exceptional varieties that will make a fantastic addition to any garden and can easily be hedged also.

Growing Camellia japonica in New Zealand

To successfully grow Camellia japonica in New Zealand, it's essential to understand the plant's preferred growing conditions. These plants thrive in well-drained, acidic soils. Additionally, Camellia japonica prefers partial shade, making it perfect for areas that receive filtered sunlight such as under trees.

Growing Camellia japonica In NZ

Key tips for getting Camellia japonica to grow well include:

Planting Tips

When planting a Camellia, it's important to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the plant's root ball. This allows for adequate root expansion. Ensure that the top of the root ball is level with the ground to prevent water from pooling around the base, which can cause root rot.

Watering and Feeding

Camellias require regular watering, especially during dry spells. It's best to water the plants deeply to encourage robust root development. As for feeding, apply shrub fertiliser in early spring to support healthy growth.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning Camellia japonica is essential for maintaining its shape and encouraging healthy blooms. Prune the plant immediately after the flowering season to remove dead or weak branches. This practice also helps to improve air circulation within the plant, reducing the risk of disease.

The Allure Of The Camellia japonica Flower

The Japanese camellia flower is renowned for its exquisite beauty. These flowers are typically characterized by their glossy, dark green leaves and striking blooms that range in colour from pure white to deep red and everything in between. The flowers can be single, semi-double, or double, providing a variety of textures and appearances to suit any garden.

Camellia japonica History

Camellia japonica has its roots in East Asia, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Originally from Japan, Korea, and China, these plants were first introduced to the western world in the 18th century. Since then, they have become a staple in gardens worldwide, admired for their resilience and beauty.