Camellia Japonica
Camellia japonica
An elegant evergreen that brings sophisticated beauty to winter gardens with its glossy dark green foliage and spectacular blooms. Flowers appear from late fall through early spring in shades of pink, red, or white, providing color when most other shrubs are dormant. This aristocratic shrub creates stunning focal points and works beautifully as a specimen plant or informal hedge.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Partial shade to dappled sun
Zones
7–9
USDA hardiness
Height
10-13 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Camellia Japonica in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shrub →Zone Map
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Camellia Japonica · Zones 7–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Wet. Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 13 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 5 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Slow. Maintenance: High. Propagation: Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Piedmont.
Harvesting
A woody capsule up to 1" in length.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring, Winter
History & Origin
Origin: China , Korea, Central & Southern Jap
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Salt
- +Wildlife value: Attracts pollinators and provides cover for wintering birds.
Considerations
- -High maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Azalea
Shares similar acidic soil requirements and shallow root systems
Rhododendron
Compatible acid-loving plants with similar water and soil needs
Pieris
Thrives in same acidic conditions and provides complementary blooming periods
Hosta
Enjoys partial shade under camellias and adds contrasting foliage texture
Ferns
Natural woodland companions that thrive in camellia's acidic, moist soil
Heuchera
Tolerates acidic soil and partial shade, provides colorful ground cover
Japanese Maple
Creates beneficial canopy partnership with similar soil pH preferences
Astilbe
Enjoys acidic soil and partial shade, adds contrasting flower spikes
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can severely damage or kill camellias
Eucalyptus
Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit camellia root development
Pine Trees
Aggressive root competition and excessive needle drop can stress camellias
Mint
Invasive spreading roots compete aggressively with camellia's shallow root system
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally healthy with proper care
Common Pests
Scale insects, aphids, tea mites
Diseases
Camellia petal blight, root rot in poorly drained soils