Japanese Camellia
A Flowering Evergreen Shrub for Shade
This low maintenance evergreen shrub thrives in the partial shade of zones 7, 8, and 9.
The Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica) is a slow-growing low maintenance evergreen shrub, beloved for lighting up the winter shade garden with large, exquisite blooms in shades of pink, red, white or yellow. Japanese camellias bloom in winter and early spring when many other plants are dormant. Their ability to bring vibrant colors and evergreen structure to the garden during the colder months makes them a valuable addition to any garden or landscape.
The Japanese camellia, native to Japan's shady hillsides, has a deep connection to the history, culture, and art of Asia. Its lineage stretches 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 in cooking, tea, cosmetics and hair oil. Today, the camellia continues to be cherished in Asia, not only for its aesthetic charm but also as a living symbol that intertwines the past with the present day.
Japanese camellias were introduced to America in the late 1700s, and since then these beautiful flowering evergreen shrubs for shade have found a welcoming home in the southern regions of the United States. This low maintenance shrub with thrives 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.
Japanese camellias like moist, well-draining and acidic soil. They are sensitive to high pH soils (alkaline), which will turn their leaves yellow. Part shade is best for these evergreen shrubs, and they like to be kept out of the 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. Depending on the cultivar, Japanese camellias grow 6-14 feet high and 5-7 feet wide. There are thousands of different cultivars to choose from, with different flower colors, flower forms, and sizes. Camellias are considered to be a deer-resistant plant - deer do not like the taste of camellias but may occasionally browse them, especially tender young plants (sigh…no plant is completely deer resistant). Protect young plants with chicken wire or fencing for the first years of growth, until they gain enough size and sturdiness to withstand some nibbling.
Camellias have the potential to be long-lived plants, however 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.
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.
Camellia japonica ‘Pink Perfection’. Photo credit: Note Thanun
How to Plant and Grow Japanese Camellias
Location: Choose a site with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Japanese camellias prefer partial shade to protect them from the intense afternoon sun.
Wind Protection: Plant this flowering evergreen shrub for shade in a protected area where it receives shelter 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: This low maintenance evergreen shrub will appreciate a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Make sure the mulch does not touch the base of the plant.
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.
Image credit: Nick Fewings
When Do Japanese Camellias Bloom?
Japanese camellias (Camellia japonica) bloom from late winter to until early spring, usually from February to April, depending on the specific cultivar and geographic location. Weather variations from year to year can also influence the precise timing of blooms.
If your camellia blooms in the fall, it is likely a Sansaqua camellia (Camellia sasanqua). The Sansaqua camellia is a fall-blooming cousin of the Japanese camellia, typically producing flowers from late fall to early winter. Sansaqua and Japanese camellias are both low maintenance flowering evergreen shrubs for shade, and make a lovely addition to any garden in zones 7, 8, or 9.
Camellia japonica vs. Camellia sansaqua
Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua are both evergreen flowering shrubs belonging to the Camellia genus and are highly valued as ornamental shrubs. However, they exhibit distinct differences in terms of their characteristics and cultural requirements.
Camellia japonica, the Japanese camellia, is known for its larger and more formal blooms that often feature a multitude of petals. These flowers can range in color from white and pink to deep red and occasionally yellow, and are typically produced in late winter or early spring. The foliage of Camellia japonica is dark green, glossy, and tends to have a more formal and symmetrical appearance.
Camellia sasanqua, the Sasanqua camellia, is characterized by its smaller and more delicate flowers, which usually have fewer petals when compared to Camellia japonica. The Sasanqua camellia typically blooms in the fall and has dark green glossy foliage with a looser, more informal growth habit when compared to the upright, denser form of Japanese camellias. Sasanqua camellias are more adaptable, thriving in a wider range of conditions, including more sun exposure and slightly acidic to neutral soils. They are also less prone to root rot compared to Japanese camellias.
Camellia japonica ‘Berenice Boddy’
Are Japanese Camellias Hard to Grow?
Japanese camellias are low maintenance evergreens, known for their relatively easy care, provided they are planted in the right location. The key to successful cultivation lies in selecting an appropriate site that meets their specific needs. When these needs are met, Japanese camellias are not difficult to grow. 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 for shade 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.
Garden Ideas for Japanese Camellias
Japanese camellias do well in partial shade, beneath the canopy of tall trees.
Specimen: Plant a single Japanese camellia in a protected area, to serve as a focal point in the garden. Planting a camellia in a sheltered spot, like a courtyard or next to a house, wall, or fence will offer protection from drying winds.
Shady Side Yard: Plant one or more Japanese camellias in a shady side yard, where they will receive morning sun or dappled sunlight.
Woodland Garden: Plant Japanese camellias in a woodland garden with other shrubs that like moist, acidic, rich soil and partial shade (azaleas, pieris, rhododendron, oakleaf hydrangea, mountain hydrangea). Underplant with ferns and woodland phlox.
Containers: Japanese camellias are an elegant choice for containers. They must have partial shade and good drainage - make sure planters have drainage holes. Choose smaller dwarf and cold-hardy cultivars, like ‘Kramer’s Supreme’.
Mixed Border: Integrate this flowering evergreen shrub for shade into a border alongside other shrubs and perennials that bloom and have vibrant fall color, ensuring four seasons of interest in your garden.
Hedge or Privacy Border: Use Japanese camellias to create hedges for privacy or to define specific areas within the landscape. Choose compact varieties for a neat and tidy appearance, like ‘Pearl Maxwell’.
Understory Planting: Plant this low maintenance evergreen underneath larger trees, where the canopy can provide dappled sunlight and protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Japanese Camellia Cultivars
There are thousands of Japanese camellia cultivars to choose from, with new ones being introduced every year. Some of the best choices are cold-tolerant and widely available: ‘Governor Mouton’ has impressive red flowers and grows 12-15 feet tall; ‘Pink Perfection’ is slightly smaller at 7-12 feet tall and has double pink flowers; ‘White Empress’ and ‘Snow Chan’ have large white flowers; ‘Lady Clare’ has deep pink flowers; ‘April Rose’ grows 6-12’ tall and has deep rose-pink blooms; and ‘Berenice Boddy’ has pale pink blooms with yellow stamens, and grows 10-12 feet tall. For containers, choose a smaller dwarf cultivar such as ‘Irrational Exuberance’, and repot every 2-3 years.
The yellowing of Japanese camellia leaves can result from various factors.
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.
Are Japanese Camellias Poisonous?
All species of camellia, including the Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica), are considered non-toxic and are not poisonous to humans and animals, including dogs, cats and horses.
Japanese camellias belong to the broader plant family Theaceae, as does Camellia sinensis—the source of caffeinated tea. Leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are harvested and processed to produce various types of tea, including green tea, black tea, white tea, and oolong tea. So, you may be wondering - can I make tea from the Camellia japonica in my garden? Yes, you can - however, due to a difference in chemical compounds, the flavor of tea made with C. japonica is weak and not very tasty, which is why C. sinensis is specifically cultivated for tea production.
Do Japanese Camellias Spread? Are Japanese Camellias Invasive?
The Japanese camellia grows as a shrub or small tree with an upright, compact growth habit, and does not spread aggressively. Over time, as they grow and mature, camellias develop deep taproots to anchor themselves into the ground, accompanied by a network of shallow, fibrous roots close to the surface. These roots become more obvious as the plant reaches maturity and are mostly limited to the area underneath the drip line (the drip line is the outermost extent of a plant’s canopy, where water drips off the leaves during rainfall).
The USDA does not consider the Japanese camellia to be an invasive species (visit the USDA’s Database of Invasive and Noxious Plants). Camellias do not cause harm to the environment, humans, animals, nor the economy. They are widely planted in urban and suburban landscapes throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southern United States, where they enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and parks without posing a threat to local ecosystems.