Camellia japonica 'California'

RHS Plant Profile

camellia 'California'

Other common names

Japanese camellia 'California'

Shrubs Trees

An upright, evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy dark green leaves with serrated edges and semi-double dark pink to red-pink flowers appearing in early spring

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 2.5-4 metres
Max Height: 2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid

Position

Partial shade

Aspect: North–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H5

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Theaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy, Columnar upright
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Prefers acidic soil with plenty of organic matter and good drainage. Position in light shade, and shelter from cold, dry winds and early morning sun, as buds and flowers may be damaged by cold winds and late frosts. 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
Flower borders and beds

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. Flowers may be infected by camellia petal blight