Shrub
Japanese camellia
Camellia japonica
An evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and showy flowers from late winter into spring, depending on cultivar and climate. It prefers sheltered partial shade and acidic, moist but well-drained soil.
- Size
- 2–4 m high · 1.5–3 m wideVaries by cultivar
- Light
- Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Winter
- Needs protection
- Seasonal form
- Evergreen
- Maintenance
- Moderate
Before planting
- Avoid alkaline soil and cold drying winds; containers need extra winter protection.
Why choose it
- Glossy foliage remains attractive beyond the main flowering season.
Care
- Keep moisture steady during summer bud development, without waterlogging.
- Prune lightly after flowering only when shaping is necessary.
Good to know
- Flower form, timing and cold tolerance vary by cultivar; late frost can damage flowers without killing the shrub.