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Camellia japonica 'Hakutaka' (Higo)

camellia 'Hakutaka'

A large, bushy, evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves. Pure white, single, saucer-shaped flowers, with a golden flare of stamens, are produced in spring

Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Yellow Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Theaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Camellia are evergreen shrubs with simple, ovate, glossy, leathery leaves and showy flowers with solitary or clustered flowers early in the year

Name status

Accepted

Horticultural Group
Camellia in this higo group originate from the Higo province of Japan and have distinctive pink, red or white flowers, sometimes with streaks or blotches, with a sunburst-shaped cluster of golden yellow stamens in the centre of each flower. The petals are scarce and flat

How to grow

Cultivation

Prefers a humus-rich, acid or neutral soil and shelter from cold, dry winds and early morning sun which can damage buds and flowers. See camellia cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, cushion scale and vine weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot, camellia gall, camellia leaf blight, camellia yellow mottle virus and camellia petal blight

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