Camellia japonica 'Duchesse Decazes' (Duchesse Decazes Camellia, Hime, Juanita, Opelousa's Peony, Mrs Conrad Wall Jr. Camellia)

Botanical Information

FamilyTheaceae
GenusCamellia
Speciesjaponica
Cultivar'Duchesse Decazes'
SynonymsCamellia japonica 'Adonidea', Camellia japonica 'Duchesse de Caze'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginRecorded in 1846 and is believed to have been introduced by the French horticulturalist Charles Souchet.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone7 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone8
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
HeightTo approximately 6 m
SpreadTo approximately 3 m
Flowering PeriodApril, May

Description and Growing Information

ShapeVigorous, upright, compact shrub.
LandscapeCan be grown as a wall shrub or in a container, as well as a border or specimen plant. Could also be used to create an informal hedge or in a woodland setting. Camellias are typical cottage garden style plants, but are striking enough to be used in more urban gardens.
PropagationBy semi-ripe cuttings from midsummer to early autumn. Nodal cuttings will produce flowers more quickly, in 3 to 4 years. Hardwood cuttings may also be taken in autumn to late winter. Simple layering can also be effective. In spring, layer a low-growing shoot which is maximum 12 mm in diameter and allow 2 years for rooting to take place before severing and lifting the new plant.
CultivationGrow in in part shade in well drained to moist soil.
PestsCamellia flower blight can be a problem, particularly in areas with high temperature and humidity. Viral diseases, honey fungus and leaf spot can also occur. Camellias may be attacked by aphids, scale insects and vine weevil. Chlorosis of the leaves may occur if the soil is lacking in nutrients such as iron.
Notable SpecimensTrengwainton Garden, Madron, near Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Leaf DescriptionDark green, evergreen foliage.
Flower DescriptionSoft pink with darker veining and whitening towards the edges.

Photographs