Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica)

Japanese Camellia

(Camellia japonica)

PumpkinSky

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: PumpkinSky | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: PumpkinSky | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Camellia_japonica_NBG.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description ={{en|1=Campanula medium}} |Source ={{own}} |Author =[[User:Ettore Balocchi|Ettore Balocchi]] |Date =2008-07-15 |Permission = |other_versions = }} [[Category:Campanula medium]] |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Camellia japonica, commonly known as Japanese Camellia, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the understory of evergreen broadleaf forests in East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and China. It typically grows to 1.5–6 meters (4.9–19.7 ft) tall and wide, with a dense, rounded form. The youngest branches are purplish-brown, maturing to grayish-brown. Its glossy, dark green leaves provide a striking backdrop to the flowers, which are most notable for their beauty. Flowering occurs from winter to early spring (January to March), with solitary or paired flowers that are 6–10 centimeters (2.4–3.9 in) across, appearing along the branches. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and red, and are prized for their showiness and delicate textures.

Japanese Camellia is valued for its attractive, long-lasting flowers and glossy evergreen foliage, making it a popular choice for ornamental plantings, formal gardens, and as a specimen plant. It is also used for creating hedges and screens. In cultivation, it requires acidic, well-drained soil and benefits from protection against strong winds and hot afternoon sun. While it prefers part shade, it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Camellia japonica is susceptible to pests like scale insects and camellia petal blight, and requires good air circulation to minimize disease risks. There are numerous cultivars available, offering a range of flower forms and colors.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Height: 7-12 feet
Width: 5-10 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: Pink, Red, White
Flowering Season: Fall, Spring, Winter
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Understory of evergreen broadleaf forests in East Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Common Camellia, 동백나무

Scientific Names: , Camellia japonica, Thea japonica, Camellia florida, Camellia japonica var. japonica, Camellia japonica var. decumbens, Camellia japonica var. hortensis, Camellia japonica var. macrocarpa, Camellia hozanensis, Camellia japonica var. hozanensis

GBIF Accepted Name: Camellia japonica L.