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New plants: Camellia japonica ‘Femme Fatale’
This breakthrough new camellia pairs luscious bronze foliage with rich double flowers, and comes with an unusual story
Developed in China, Camellia japonica ‘Femme Fatale’ had been sidelined in its country of origin and had slim chances of reaching the international market. That all changed when it was discovered by chance as the odd one out in a Dutch garden centre, and taken home by a nurseryman who saw its true potential.
This unique new camellia not only brings us beautiful crimson double flowers, but also fabulous foliage. This comes after two other shrubs also offering unique new foliage-flower combinations took home runner-up awards at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year 2023.
What’s so good about Camellia japonica ‘Femme Fatale’?
‘Femme Fatale’ is a typical garden camellia with one key bonus. Upright in growth, and maturing to about 1.2m x 70cm (4ft x 2.5ft), the glossy, deep green leaves show off the flowers beautifully. Each fully
The star quality of this easy-to-grow camellia is revealed as the flowers start to fade. The fresh new growth is darkly speckled at first, then quickly becomes deep, glossy burgundy bronze; retaining this striking colouring into the summer.
The older growth matures to deep green, while at the same time, new growth emerges in this unique dark shade. This means that in summer, the whole plant is transformed from a flowering shrub to a fine foliage shrub, enjoying a second season of interest.
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© ©Plantipp BV®![]()
Where did ‘Femme Fatale’ come from?
About ten years ago, eagle-eyed Dutch nurseryman Stephan Snepvangers spotted a rogue camellia plant in a garden centre.
“I found it by accident in a corner of a garden centre,” he told Boom in Business. “It turned out that the owner of the garden centre had brought a batch of camellias back from China, but one was different. I liked it, and was allowed to take it home. When the bloom was over, I discovered the beautiful foliage.
“Online research revealed that it had been developed by Dr Gao Jiyin, known in China as a renowned breeder of camellias and a leading member of the American Camellia Society.”
It also turned out that this new camellia was not to the taste of many gardeners in China, so had “more or less ended up in a drawer”.
Stephan wanted to give the camellia a chance in Europe, so with the help of Plantipp, a ten-year propagation programme began – and finally, ‘Femme Fatale’ is now becoming available to UK gardeners.
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Growing Camellia japonica ‘Femme Fatale’
Like other camellias, ‘Femme Fatale’ will only thrive in lime-free soil. Happiest in light overhead shade, it will usually flower more prolifically in full sun, as long as its roots remain moist.
‘Femme Fatale’ is also well-suited to growing in a large container. Use ericaceous (lime-free) potting compost, feed the plant regularly, and make sure it never dries out.
Where can I buy Camellia japonica ‘Femme Fatale’?
You can currently buy ‘Femme Fatale’ from Hayloft, Gardening Express and Cowells Garden Centre.
