Camellia (Camellia)


Botanical Information

FamilyTheaceae
GenusCamellia
CategoryTropicals
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginHimalayas, Japan, and Indonesia.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
The leaves of some Camellia species are processed for tea.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-20 - 1
Temperature (°F)-4 - 33.8
Height0.6 - 6 m
Spread0.9 - 3 m
Flowering PeriodJanuary, February, October, November, December

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionQueen of the winter flowers, Camellias are attractive evergreen shrubs that are highly prized for their flowers, evergreen foliage, and compact shapely habit.
CultivationPrefers partial shade with consistently moist, acidic, well-drained soils. Shelter from cold, dry winds. Rarely requires pruning, but if needed should be done just after blooming to avoid removing next year’s buds.
PestsDiseases include leaf spots, anthracnose, black mold, petal blight, canker, and root rot. Pests include aphids, plant hoppers, and spider mites
Notable SpecimensCentennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Flower DescriptionLarge fragrant flowers.

Photographs