Japanese Camellia
Camellia japonica
Also listed as Thea japonica, Camellia bonnardii
Also known as Common Camellia
Climate Match for your location
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Japanese camellia is a glossy-leaved evergreen shrub prized for its elegant flowers in shades of red, pink, or white that bloom in winter and early spring. It makes an excellent specimen or screening plant in sheltered locations with partial shade.
Why grow it
Japanese camellia offers winter and early spring bloom when few other ornamental shrubs flower, making it valuable for season-long garden interest in temperate climates. Compared to other camellias, C. japonica is notably cold-hardy and widely adapted across USDA zones 7-9, while maintaining the glossy evergreen foliage and formal flower forms that distinguish the genus. It serves functional roles as a screening plant or specimen in part-shade situations where many deciduous shrubs would be less effective.
Watch out for
This species prefers acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.5) and may develop chlorosis in neutral or alkaline conditions. Consistent moisture and afternoon shade protection are important in warmer climates to prevent leaf scorch and bud drop, particularly during establishment. Flower buds can be sensitive to hard freezes in marginal hardiness zones, resulting in reduced blooms after severe winters.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Theaceae
Native Range
Japan
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Japanese camellia is a glossy-leaved evergreen shrub prized for its elegant flowers in shades of red, pink, or white that bloom in winter and early spring. It makes an excellent specimen or screening plant in sheltered locations with partial shade.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Japanese Camellia grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Japanese camellia offers winter and early spring bloom when few other ornamental shrubs flower, making it valuable for season-long garden interest in temperate climates. Compared to other camellias, C. japonica is notably cold-hardy and widely adapted across USDA zones 7-9, while maintaining the glossy evergreen foliage and formal flower forms that distinguish the genus. It serves functional roles as a screening plant or specimen in part-shade situations where many deciduous shrubs would be less effective.
Watch out for
This species prefers acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.5) and may develop chlorosis in neutral or alkaline conditions. Consistent moisture and afternoon shade protection are important in warmer climates to prevent leaf scorch and bud drop, particularly during establishment. Flower buds can be sensitive to hard freezes in marginal hardiness zones, resulting in reduced blooms after severe winters.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Theaceae
Native Range
Japan
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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