RHS An upright, evergreen shrub with elliptic, dark green leaves and, from late winter to mid-spring, semi-double, white flowers, variably striped with pink or red.
8-12 metres
4-8 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil in partial to full shade. Plant in a sheltered site as cold, drying winds and morning sun can damage buds and flowers. Feed in mid-spring and early summer with a sequestered iron fertiliser. Maintain a deep mulch of leaf mould or shredded bark at the base of the plant.
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Group 8. Best left unpruned except for removal of unsightly shoots and deadheading, unless some shaping is required, and if so, as it is early flowering, carry out carry out thereafter.
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and vine weevil
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), phytophthora root rot, camellia gall, camellia leaf blight, camellia yellow mottle virus and flowers and camellia petal blight
