Common Name:
Camellia
Plant Type:
Evergreen tree
Family:
Theaceae (The Tea Family)
Geographic Origin:
China and Taiwan
California Native?:
No

Plant Size:
To 10 feet+
Landscape/Garden Uses:
Foundation plantings
Flowering Season:
Spring

Flower Color:
White
Exposure:
Light shade
Soils:
Well-drained soil

Suggested Irrigation:
Moderate watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 15 degrees F. or less

This small leaved camellia from Taiwan is densely leafy with an upright habit. New growth is reddish. Spring flowers are held along the stems; individual flowers are single and pure white, but there is a red spot on the back of each petal that adds to the colorful effect of the spring show. Camellias thrive in sun or shade along the coast but need some shading during summer heat inland. Though they tolerate many soils, they grow best and show the beautiful deep greens for which their leaves are noted in well drained, acid soils, with moderate to regular watering.