Camellia japonica /kəˈmiːli.ə jaˈpɔː.ni.ka/
Common name: Japanese camellia · Common camellia · Rose of winter
Camellia japonica is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Theaceae, native to Japan, Korea, and parts of China and Taiwan. It bears glossy dark-green leaves and large, showy flowers in shades of red, pink, and white that bloom in late winter and early spring. It is one of the most popular ornamental shrubs in temperate gardens, with thousands of named cultivars.
Care summary
Sun
Partial shade; shelter from harsh afternoon sun
Water
Keep evenly moist; don't let dry out
Soil
Acidic, humus-rich, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Zones 7–9
Mature height
About 200–600 cm (6–20 ft)
Pet safe
Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty
Moderate
Propagation
Propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in mid to late summer. Take 10-15 cm cuttings of partly ripened wood, remove all but the top leaves, and root them in an acidic, free-draining mix kept humid; rooting can take several months.
Fun facts
- More than 2,000 cultivars of Camellia japonica have been named, with flower forms ranging from single to fully double.
- In Japan the plant is called tsubaki and has been cultivated there for centuries, appearing in art and family crests.
- The camellia is the state flower of Alabama in the United States.
- Its relative Camellia sinensis is the source of tea, but C. japonica is grown purely for ornament.