Camellia japonica - camellia (Forest honeycomb)

Genus of over 250 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees. These plants grow on acidic soils in wooded areas of Asia. Camellia japonica is a shrub, or small evergreen tree with a compact crown, up to 5-7 m tall. The leaves are elliptical, dark green, shiny, with serrated edges. Flowering begins in January/February and continues until March/April. The flowers are generally simple or semi-double, of a more or less intense pink color.

Pedoclimatic requirements

Highly appreciated for their beautiful winter blooms and magnificent foliage, they are suitable for parks and gardens, even small ones given their limited growth. Ideal for creating informal rows or hedges or even to be planted alone or in groups. They love cool and humid climates, preferring shade or partial shade exposure. The best exposure would be in the morning in the sun and in the afternoon in the shade. Camellias are very demanding regarding the nature of the soil, preferring fresh and well-drained soils with an acid or sub-acid reaction. The ideal soils for growing these plants are volcanic and siliceous, which are free of limestone. The soil must therefore be well-drained, with good aeration, with a high humus content and a pH between 5.5-6.5. These plants are however capable of adapting to a rather wide range of pH that does not exceed the values ​​of 7-7.5. Camellias are fairly rustic plants that can withstand frosts up to -12°/-14°c. The cold does not damage the branches and foliage but ruins the flowering. Snowfalls are very damaging, damaging the foliage and breaking the branches.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name Camellia japonica Family Theaceae