Camelia japonica Red

Camellia japonica, red flowered, is an evergreen shrub from eastern Asia, prized for its colourful winter flowers.

Characteristics
A shrub or small tree that can reach 6-12 m in time, though it is usually kept much smaller in gardens, with glossy, leathery dark green leaves. The large flowers, in this selection a deep red, open from late winter into spring, sometimes single, sometimes fully double.

Growing and care
It needs fresh, acid, humus rich, well drained soil and a position in partial shade, sheltered from cold wind and morning sun on frosted buds. Water with soft water, keeping the soil moist but never waterlogged, and mulch with pine bark. Prune only lightly after flowering.

Uses
Shady borders, woodland gardens, north facing courtyards and large containers on terraces, where it flowers when little else does.