Camellia japonica - camellia (Square vase 9x9x20 cm)

Genus of over 250 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees. These plants grow on acidic soils in forested areas of Asia. Camellia japonica is a shrub, or small evergreen tree with compact foliage, up to 5-7 m tall. The leaves are elliptical, dark green in color, shiny, with serrated margins. 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 colour.

Pedoclimatic needs

Much appreciated for their beautiful winter blooms and magnificent foliage, they are suitable for parks and gardens, even small ones given their limited development. Ideal for creating rows or informal hedges or even to be planted isolated or in groups. It loves cool, humid climates, preferring shade or partial shade. 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 ones 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 of between 5.5-6.5. These plants are however capable of adapting to a rather wide pH range that does not exceed values ​​of 7-7.5. Camellias are fairly rustic plants that tolerate frosts down to -12°/-14°c. The cold does not cause damage to the branches and foliage but ruins the flowering. However, snowfalls are very harmful, damaging the foliage by breaking the branches.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Camellia japonica

Family: Theaceae