Common camellia.

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Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Shrub

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

15 ft tall and 10 ft wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 7 to 10

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Cuidados

Camellias prefer acidic soil and protection from harsh afternoon sun. Ensure consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, and avoid disturbing the root system once established.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in winter.

Feeding

Feed in early spring after flowering with a balanced, acid-loving fertilizer.

Pruning

Prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove dead or damaged branches.

Repotting

Repot only when root-bound, using a well-draining, acidic potting mix.

Soil

Acidic, well-draining, organic-rich soil

Soil pH

4.5 to 6.5

Temperature

-12.2 to 26.7°C

Humidity

50 to 70%

Drought tolerance

moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, can live for many decades.

Deer and rabbits

moderate

Seguridad

People

Ingestion of plant parts may cause mild stomach upset.

Pets

Mildly toxic to pets if ingested, causing vomiting or diarrhea.

Children

No specific safety concerns for children, but ingestion of any non-food plant material should be avoided.

Contact allergens

No significant contact allergens are known.

Airborne allergens

Pollen may cause seasonal respiratory allergies in sensitive individuals.

Edibility

This plant is not intended for consumption.

Cómo identificarla

• Glossy, dark green, leathery leaves
• Large, showy flowers
• Rose-like or peony-like blooms
• Evergreen shrub or small tree
• Smooth, gray-brown bark

Height

3.65 to 4.57m

Spread

2.44 to 3.05m

Leaves

dark green, glossy, evergreen

Flowers

white, pink, red, variegated, 5 to 13cm

Problemas frecuentes

• Scale insects — Small, immobile insects that attach to stems and leaves, sucking sap and weakening the plant.
• Aphids — Tiny, pear-shaped insects that cluster on new growth, feeding on plant juices.
• Sooty mold — A black, powdery fungus that grows on honeydew excreted by sap-sucking insects.
• Bud drop — Flower buds fall off before opening due to stress from inconsistent watering, temperature fluctuations, or poor light.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

cuttings, grafting

When to plant

spring, fall

Overwintering

In colder climates, container-grown camellias should be moved to a protected, unheated location like a garage or shed. Mulch heavily around the base of in-ground plants to protect the roots from extreme cold.

In containers

Camellias grow very well in containers, especially dwarf varieties, provided the pot is at least 15 gallons and has excellent drainage.

Plant camellias with other acid-loving, shade-tolerant plants like azaleas and hostas for a cohesive and healthy garden display.

Buenas compañeras

• Azalea — Azaleas share similar acidic soil and partial shade requirements, creating a beautiful woodland garden combination.
• Rhododendron — These plants complement camellias with their lush foliage and vibrant blooms, preferring the same growing conditions.
• Japanese Maple — Its delicate foliage and graceful form provide a lovely contrast to the camellia's structure and blooms.
• Hosta — Hostas offer beautiful foliage texture and thrive in the shady, moist conditions that camellias prefer.

Mantenla lejos de

• Boxwood — Boxwoods prefer alkaline to neutral soils, which can inhibit the growth of acid-loving camellias.
• Lavender — Lavender needs full sun and very well-drained, alkaline soil, conditions that are detrimental to camellias.

Especies parecidas

• Camellia sasanqua — Sasanqua camellias bloom earlier in the fall and have a more open, spreading habit, while japonicas bloom later and are typically more upright.
• Tea Plant — This species is primarily grown for its leaves used to make tea, and its flowers are generally less showy than Camellia japonica.

Ciencia

Family

Theaceae

Genus

Camellia

Order

Ericales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Eastern China and Japan.

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

In its native habitat, Camellia japonica grows in moist, shaded woodlands and along stream banks, often in acidic soils.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, pollen source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Uses

Ornamental, Cut flowers, Hedge

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

When do Camellias bloom?

Most Camellia japonica varieties bloom in late winter to early spring, though some may start in fall.

What kind of soil do they prefer?

They thrive in well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter.

How much sun do they need?

Camellias prefer partial shade, especially protection from hot afternoon sun.

Are they suitable for containers?

Yes, they do well in pots, especially dwarf varieties.

Do they need pruning?

Pruning is mainly done after flowering to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged branches.

De dónde viene el nombre

The genus name, Camellia, honors Georg Joseph Kamel, a Jesuit missionary and botanist who worked in the Philippines. The species epithet, japonica, refers to its native range in Japan.

Bueno saberlo

• Camellias have been cultivated in East Asia for centuries.
• The scientific name honors the Jesuit botanist Georg Joseph Kamel.
• There are over 25,000 cultivars of Camellia japonica.
• Some camellia oils are used in cosmetics and hair care products.