Korean Fire Japanese Camellia
The Zone-Pusher
Warm up your winter garden with this cold-hardy camellia shrub.
‘Korean Fire’ is a cultivar of the Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica ‘Korean Fire’), a slow-growing evergreen shrub beloved for lighting up the garden in late winter with its exquisite flowers. ‘Korean Fire’ originates from a wild population growing on the cold islands bordering North and South Korea, collected by plantsman Barry Yinger in 1984 and introduced to the market through Hines Nursery. ‘Korean Fire’ is a cold hardy camellia shrub with the exceptional ability to endure extreme cold and sub-zero temperatures, one of a handful of Japanese camellias hardy in zones 6-9. ‘Korean Fire’ is the perfect choice for any zone-pushing gardeners looking for a camellia that can grow in zone 6!
‘Korean Fire’ has single bright red flowers with showy yellow stamens. Each flower is 3 - 5 inches in diameter and lights up the winter landscape with its warm red glow. It flowers from late winter through early spring, when many other plants are dormant. ‘Korean Fire’ grows up to 12 inches per year, eventually reaching a mature size of 10 - 15 feet tall and 5 - 8 feet wide. It has handsome, dark green glossy leaves and a compact habit.
Traditionally associated with Japan, where it grows wild on shady hillsides, the Japanese camellia (called “Tsubaki” in Japanese) is deeply rooted in the history, culture and art of Asia, with a lineage dating back over a thousand years (read about Goto’s 400 year-old camellia trees). Symbolizing longevity, purity and love, the glossy leaves and vibrant blossoms of the camellia have adorned the gardens of temples, imperial palaces, and samurai residences. Oil from the camellia’s ripened fruit has been used for centuries for cooking, tea, cosmetics and hair oil. Today, the camellia continues to be cherished in Asia, not only for its aesthetic charm but as a living symbol that intertwines the past with the present day.
Introduced to America in the late 1700s, these beautiful flowering shrubs have found a welcoming home in the southern regions of the United States, where their glossy evergreen leaves and vibrant blooms thrive in the milder climates of zones 7, 8, and 9. The keen admiration for the camellia is evident in the establishment of dedicated societies and festivals centered around these captivating plants, with enthusiasts from all over the world coming together to exchange information and organize events, seminars, and exhibitions.
Korean Fire Japanese camellia, a cold hardy camellia shrub.
Japanese camellias do not like alkaline soil. If you are not sure about your soil conditions, do a soil test before investing in a camellia plant.
Japanese camellias like moist, well-drained, acidic soil. They are sensitive to high pH soils (alkaline), which will turn their leaves yellow. Partial shade is best for these evergreen shrubs, and they appreciate being kept out of hot afternoon sun. Site them in an area where they receive protection from drying winds, and amend the soil heavily with organic matter such as compost or shredded leaves. Camellias are considered to be a deer-resistant plant - they are not a preferred choice, but deer do occasionally browse them, especially tender young plants.
Camellias have the potential to be long-lived plants, yet they can suffer from a number of different fungal diseases and scale insects. Disease and insect pests can be prevented by giving Japanese camellias a partially shaded site, protection from cold winds, and well-draining, acidic soil.
How to Plant and Grow Korean Fire Japanese Camellia
Location: Choose a site with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. This cold hardy camellia prefers partial shade with protection from the intense afternoon sun.
Wind Protection: Plant Japanese camellias in an area where they are sheltered from strong, drying winds.
Soil: Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, shredded leaves, or Leaf-gro®, to improve drainage and soil fertility. Ensure that the soil pH is slightly acidic - the best soil pH for camellias is in the range of 6.0 to 6.5.
Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during periods of drought. Deep watering is preferable to encourage the development of a strong root system. For more information on watering, see “How to Water your Plants”.
Fertilization: In spring, after flowering, feed camellias with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants (like Holly-tone®). Avoid excessive use of high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Pruning: Prune Japanese camellias sparingly to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged branches. The best time for pruning is after the plant has finished flowering.
Is the Korean Fire Japanese Camellia Hard to Grow?
Japanese camellias are known for their relatively easy care, provided they are planted in the right location. The key to successful cultivation of this cold hardy camellia lies in selecting the appropriate site. To create the ideal environment:
Plant in partial shade
Avoid direct exposure to intense afternoon sunlight
Protect from drying winds
Avoid planting in alkaline soils (perform a soil test, if needed)
Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, Leaf-gro®, or shredded leaves.
If you are not able to provide a Japanese camellia with the conditions it requires to thrive, consider these alternatives:
Sansaqua camellia (Camellia sansaqua): A cousin to the Japanese camellia, this flowering evergreen shrub can handle more sun and slightly acidic to neutral soil.
American Holly (Ilex opaca): An upright, pyramidal evergreen shrub to small tree with red berries and green leaves. It grows in full sun to part shade; the boughs make excellent holiday decorations.
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria): An evergreen shrub or small tree with bright red berries and glossy green leaves. A relatively long-lived plant that tolerates full sun to full shade.
Summersweet clethra (Clethra alnifolia): A tall shrub with white, bottlebrush-shaped summer flowers in full sun to shade. Straight species grows to 8 feet tall; smaller cultivars available.
Mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata): An easy-care shrub for partial shade, with lacy flat-topped flowers in the summer. Grows to 5 feet tall; smaller cultivars available.
What is Wrong with My Japanese Camellia?
Yellowing leaves could be due to various factors, including nutrient deficiencies (especially iron in alkaline soils), poor drainage, or overwatering.
Brown, crispy leaf edges can be caused by underwatering, excessive sunlight, or windburn.
Leaf drop is caused by stress from sudden environmental changes, pests, or disease.
Bud drop before blooming can be caused by drought, sudden temperature fluctuations, or insufficient sunlight (Are you in a drought? Check the U.S. Drought Monitor).
Black or brown spots on the leaves and be caused by fungal infections.
Stunted growth can be a result of poor soil conditions, a lack of nutrients, or siting in an unsuitable location.
Why is My Japanese Camellia Turning Yellow?
The yellowing of leaves on a Japanese camellia can be attributed to several factors. Here are some common reasons why your camellia leaves may be turning yellow:
Nutrient Deficiency: Camellias are sensitive to iron deficiency, especially in alkaline soils. This can result in yellowing leaves with green veins (chlorosis). Consider applying a fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants, which includes micronutrients like iron.
Improper Soil pH: Camellias prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH of 6.0-6.5. If the pH is too high (alkaline), it can affect nutrient availability, leading to yellowing leaves. Test the soil pH and, if necessary, amend it with materials to lower the pH, like aluminum sulfate or sulfur.
Overwatering or Poor Drainage: Excessive soil moisture can lead to root rot, causing leaves to yellow. Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering - camellias prefer consistently moist but not waterlogged soil.
Sun Exposure: Too much direct sunlight, especially in the hot afternoon hours, can cause leaf scorching and yellowing. Ensure your camellia is planted in partial shade.
Pests and Diseases: Pests and fungal diseases can cause yellowing of leaves. Check the undersides of leaves for signs of pests and treat accordingly; ensure good air circulation and proper watering practices to prevent fungal issues.
Transplant Shock: Recently planted camellias may experience stress from transplant shock, causing the leaves to yellow. Ensure new transplants receive adequate water and time to recover.