August 1996
Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf
Height: 10 to 20 feet
Spread: 6 to 10 feet
Shape: Spreading
Foliage is a glossy, dark-green. Large flowers, ranging from white to pink to red, bloom from winter to spring.
Zone: 7 to 8
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet, moist, or dry
Soil Type: Sandy or loam
pH Range: 3.7 to 6.0
Suggested uses for this plant include screen, border, massing, and specimen plant.
Transplants readily when using
container plants.
Plant in an organic, moist, well-drained, acid
soil.
Plant in a partially shady location, protected
from winter wind to prevent leaf scorch.
Cold temperatures (i.e., 0 degrees F) in Zones 7
and 8 may kill or delay flower buds.
Mulch to protect shallow roots.
Water thoroughly once a week in hot, dry
weather.
Prune in spring after flowering; however, dead
wood can be pruned anytime during the year.
Maintenance required to control scale insects.
Various insects and diseases are problems
including scale insects and twig die back.
Not salt tolerant. Plant may be injured by
exposure to salt.
Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.
Related species:
CAMELLIA SASANQUA (Sasanqua camellia) has
larger, showier flowers than CAMELLIA JAPONICA.
They are prized for their flowers which
bloom
from winter to spring, and are attractive,
evergreen shrubs.
Many cultivars exist; however, availability may
be limited.
The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered
through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are
available through your local Extension office or
directly from:
Virginia Tech
Extension Distribution Center
112 Landsdowne St.
Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-607 "Selecting Landscape Plants -
Broad-leaved Evergreens"
This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the
Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg
Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content
Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.