Camellia japonica
Japanese Camellia
Photo of Camellia japonica - Japanese Camellia
No photo for the moment for Camellia japonica - Japanese Camellia
Please note: You must be the owner of the posted photo and it must not be copyrighted.
Things You Must Knows cannot be held responsible for photos posted in violation of this rule
Common Name:
Plant Type:
Foliage color:
GreenSun (From 0 to 5):
Water (From 0 to 5):
Maximum temperature:
Minimum temperature:
Maximum height:
Maximum width:
Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica) - Description
C. japonica is naturally a large shrub or small tree variable in size, growth rate, and habit. Hundred-year old plants in California could reach heights as high as 20 feet tall with equal spread. However, gardeners can consider C. japonica to form shrubs 6 to 12 feet high and wide.
Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica) - Blooming
The American Camellia Society describes 6 different flower forms and they are as follows: single, semi double, Anemone form, Peony form, Rose-form double and formal double.Blooming time is variable according to species. Usually blooms during cool season, Sept. 1-April 1.Inadequate water during the summer will cause flower buds to drop in fall and winter or result in smaller flowers.
Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica) - Growth
There are over 250 species of Camellias and, thus, there are many growth needs for this large genus of long-lived evergreen shrubs and small trees. If these diverse needs could be generalized, you would say that all of them need to be protected from strong, hot sunlight and drying winds. Prefers partial shade, or bright filtered light. Camellias do not grow well in coastal or desert regions as they are unable to tolerate high temperatures and salty soils/air.Where hardy, grow camellias in a border or woodland garden, or as specimen plants. Grow under large trees or structures that will provide camellias with some shade from the hot sun.In places where Camellia is not growing hardy, raise plants indoors in a cool greenhouse with a minimum temperature of 35ºF (2ºC). During the day, set temperatures between 41-50ºF (5-10ºC), and at night, keep the temperature at 36ºF (2ºC). Camellias are also good for containers that can be moved outdoors during the summer to a partially shaded site.The flowers of Camellia are well suited for cutting and flower displays.
Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica) - Planting
Do not plant Camellias so that the base of the trunk is below the soil line. The plant's roots should be close to the surface. Root leaf bud or semi-ripe cuttings from the current year's growth between midsummer and late winter. Conduct grafting in late winter. Air-layer in late spring. Air-layering is a propagation method where a cut is made on an aerial stem and covered with moist sphagnum moss and sealed into a plastic sleeve. This process induces rooting.
Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica) - Pest
Prone to damage by aphids, scale insects, weevils, planthoppers, bud mites, and spider mites. Watch out for sooty mold which commonly grows on the droppings from aphids and scale insects. Other problems include canker, dieback, root rot, viruses, gall, algal leaf spots, and anthracnose. Camellia Petal Blight also occurs, and is caused by a fungus that destroys the blooms. Make sure to remove dead flowers and foliage to prevent the spread of disease.
Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica) - Interesting facts
There is a Camellia tree in the gardens of Schloss Pillnitz in Dresden, Germany in the state of Saxony that was reportedly brought from Japan in the late 18th century. Eastern Germany does not have the climate that will allow Camellias to survive through the Winter. The Camellia has survived in this harsh climate for over 100 years. This tree has been able to do so because the caretakers of Schloss Pillnitz developed a mobile greenhouse on tracks that will move over the tree as the weather begins to get too cold for Camellias to survive. The name Camellia was named after the Jesuit pharmacist Georg Josef Kamel. The most commercialized species in this genus is Camellia sinensis, otherwise known as tea.
Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica) - Soil and irrigation
Camellias need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be acidic (pH 5.5-6.5). Well-drained, acidic potting mixes work fine for indoor plants.Water freely and regularly when in active growth, sparingly in winter. During summer, wash the foliage to cool the plant, remove dust and grime, and also increase the humidity. Give 2 inches of mulch around the soil surface in summer, but avoid covering the base of the trunk. A mulch will enhance water retention and protect the surface roots from the summer heat.Top dress annually with shredded bark.
