Camellia gigantocarpa
Camellia octopetala
Camellia latilimba
A tender evergreen shrub with an upright habit, cinnamon-coloured bark and glossy, dark green leaves with finely serrated edges. Produces large, fragrant, single white flowers, with six to eight spreading petals with ruffled margins and notches at the tips, in late winter
4-8 metres
2.5-4 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Prefers acidic soil with plenty of organic matter and good drainage. This camellia is unlikely to be hardy outdoors in the UK, and is best grown in a large conservatory or greenhouse, or in a large container that can be moved indoors in winter. Position in light shade, and shelter from cold, dry winds. See camellia cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer, or by grafting in late winter
Pruning group 8 (evergreens), after flowering
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and vine weevil
May be susceptible to honey fungus, phytophthora root rot, camellia gall, camellia leaf blight, and camellia yellow mottle virus. Flowers may be infected by camellia petal blight