Camellia japonica 'Tabbs' (Tabbs Camellia)


Botanical Information

FamilyTheaceae
GenusCamellia
Speciesjaponica
Cultivar'Tabbs'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginGuilfoyle's Exotic Nursery, New South Wales. Found growing over a wide area of the Japanese archipelago, and on islands and coastal edges of South Korea and China. Imported into cultivation in England around 1730 with the first recorded seed-raised plant grown by the 8th Baron Petre in the glasshouse at Thorndon Hall, Essex, England. The first cultivars arrived in England via an East India Company ship the Carnatic in 1792 and although originally given Oriental cultivar names they were renamed 'Plena', 'Incarnata', 'Alba' 'Variegata' and 'Rubra Plena'.

Details

USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodApril, May, June

Description and Growing Information

PropagationSemi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer to autumn, using a mild hormone, bottom heat and mist produce the best results.
CultivationPartial-shade and away from excessive winds. Prefers slightly acidic soil. Prune annually to control height and produce dense, uniform plants.
PestsAphid infestations and the resulting sooty mould may be of concern. Spotting and rotting.
Notable SpecimensKings Park and Botanical Garden, Perth, Australia.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are long and come to a point.
Flower DescriptionFull, multi-petaled flower.
Colour DescriptionThe flowers are a crimson marbled and blotched white. The leaves are a dark green colour.

Photographs