Camellia lutchuensis
A half-hardy evergreen shrub or small tree, with a spreading habit and elliptic green leaves. New growth is covered with very fine hairs that give a bronze-coloured tint, this can persist for 2-3 years. Produces small, very fragrant white flowers to 3cm across in late winter
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Bronze | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Bronze | |||
| Autumn | Green Bronze | |||
| Winter | White | Green Bronze |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Theaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- 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
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers acidic soil with plenty of organic matter and good drainage. May be grown outdoors in very mild, frost-free areas, or in a conservatory or glasshouse, or 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
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer, or by grafting in late winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 8 (evergreens), after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and vine weevil
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus, phytophthora root rot, camellia gall, camellia leaf blight, and camellia yellow mottle virus. This species shows some resistance to camellia petal blight, though this doesn't consistently transfer to its hybrids
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