This small tree from China can reach a little over 20 feet tall and about half as wide. It blooms in winter or early spring, bearing single white flowers that are fragrant. Grow this elegant shrub in a border or woodland garden, as a specimen, or in a container.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsSmall tree with scented white flowers 2 to 3.5 inches across.
CareIn the garden, grow in moist but well-drained, humusy soil with an acidic pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Mulch with leaf mold or shredded bark to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil. Camellias need partial or dappled shade in a sheltered site. Be sure to water in dry weather and fertilize in mid-spring. Prune after flowering by trimming back shoots that are growing in unwanted directions; remove dead and damaged branches in mid-spring. Indoors, grow in an acidic potting mix in bright filtered light.
PropagationTake 4-inch-long cuttings in late July or August and insert them into pots of coarse sand to which a very small amount of peat has been added.
ProblemsSpider mites, scale, canker.
- Genus : Camellia
- Plant Width : 10 to 15 feet
- Plant Height : 15 to 30 feet
- Zones : 6, 7, 8, 9
- Moisture : Adaptable
- Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Growth Rate : Slow
- Bloom Time : Spring
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
- Plant Type : Trees
- Flower Color : White
