A vigorous, upright large shrub or small tree, up to 6m high, with leaves, up to 8cm long, that are purple when young, then glossy bright green above and paler beneath. From autumn to early winter it produces fragrant single flowers, up to 7cm across, which have white petals edged with pink, and conspicuous golden yellow stamens
4-8 metres
2.5-4 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow outside in cool, moist, humus-rich, acidic soil in sun or light shade, and with shelter from cold winds, early morning sun and late frosts, for example in a woodland garden; mature plants will survive British winters, but they will flower better under glass, so they may also be grown in a lime-free compost in containers, and taken indoors to flower; for more advice, see camellia cultivation
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