Japonica Is A Large Plant Family - The Camellia Japonica Is Stunning In Winter

The Camellia Japonica is one of the most popular shrubs in the south. It is also well known out on the west coast. Some of the family members are native to Japan and China. The ka - MEAL - ee - a -ja - PON - i - ka is one of the most popular in Japan. This plant family grows well in zones seven through nine. In the spring time the Azaleas rule the landscape and in the winter the camellia takes over in the spotlight. One of the most distinct characteristics of the plant is the time of year it blooms. While many other species lay dormant during the winter months, this particular Camellia comes to life. The buds emerge into beautiful flowers anywhere from November through April. There are many hybrids and their colors range from soft whites, rich red tones, pinks, purples and lavender. This Camellia can grow ten to fifteen feet high and six to ten feet wide. The Japonica likes part shade. They are slow growers but well worth the wait. I will be doing a follow up on this gallery page during the winter months when some of these gorgeous shrubs reach full bloom. I want you to be able to see the single and double blooms as well as their brilliant colors. The Sasanquas do better with sun and also with harsh cold snaps. A good recommendation is to keep the Japoncias away from the brisk winter wind. The soil should be kept moist but also be slightly acid base.

The most popular of the Camellia Japonicas is the Common. This shrub is an upright and can create a wonderful focal point against any outdoor feature. It is especially enticing near an entrance to a walkway, formal garden, or lingering around a large decorative wall or gate. Before planting any garden, read up on the plan - prep - plant method and learn how to use the Japonica in your landscape.

Below are nine different varieties, creating a world of wintertime color. Below are different shots of some of my favorite camellias in this family. Since they are not in bloom yet, I wanted to show you their buds and leaf structures.

Nuccio's Pearl

The Nuccio's Pearl is a soft pale pink with white tones. This camellia blooms late in the winter and will grow around six to seven feet high and four to five feet wide. Requires some scheduled watering during the prime time winter months to ensure proper blooming. The Nuccio's Pearl is great for a small area and is an excellent plant to put around Rhododendrons. The Pearl is an evergreen and the shiny leaves keep this shrub classy looking year around.

Marie Bracey

The Pink Marie Bracey has beautiful coral rose tones that peak in mid winter. The Marie Bracey can grow nine to ten feet high and anywhere from three to ten feet wide. This camellia blooms late in the winter into the warmer spring months. The Marie is great in front of a back drop of evergreen trees or taller shrubs. Looks well with some Arborvitaes and False Cypress.

Margie

The 'Margie' - is a gorgeous double white bloom. Margie will also grow nine to ten feet high and three to ten feet wide. This camellia can require a little more maintenance but a wonderful looking specimen in mass planting in a large garden. A special note to make on the Margie is that it also can be kept in a container on a porch or deck area. A great plant for around a trellis or bench.

Greensburo

The Greensburo Red is one of my favorites. It is a taller shrub getting anywhere up to fifteen feet in height. The width can go from five to eight feet. It is a late winter bloomer and has beautiful red semi - double blooms. This Japonica looks great as a focal point in a winter garden or an accent plant in any year around landscape.

Goggy

The Goggy - is a delicate double pink flower and will do well in zones seven and eight. This is a hardy evergreen and will grow four to six feet high and four to six feet wide. The Goggy is superb in mass plantings and will look great off some variegated shrubs such as the cypress or privet. The leaves are a deep green and also compliments the Loropetalum.

Professor

The Professor Charles Sargent - is a peony form and has a deep rich red tones. The professor can grow anywhere from six to eight feet high and five to six feet wide. This is a fast grower and also will flower longer then any other Japonica. This is a great shrub for mass planting as well as complimenting an evergreen back drop.

Moonlight Bay

The Moonlight Bay - is a dramatic semi - double pink bloom. The flowers will emerge in the fall and stay right through the late winter. The height can reach six to eight feet and the width five to seven. The Moonlight is a fast grower and has attractive deep green foliage. Another great plant specimen for mass planting as well as accenting.

Purple Dawn

The Purple Dawn is a spectacular plant in a formal garden. It has a magnificent double bloom. This camellia can reach eight to ten feet high and four to six feet wide. The Purple Dawn is in the form of a rose but the color ignites in a crimson tone with a subtle purple casting. This is a great camellia for mass planting or as a focal point around any outdoor feature.

Dr. Tinsley

The Dr. Tinsley is a semi - double light pink bloom. This specimen has such a soft look and will grow anywhere from eight to twelve feet tall and six to eight feet wide. The Doctor Tinsley is one of my favorites to use as a focal point with other accents of soft leaf evergreens. This camellia specie should be kept away from strong winds and also a lot of sun. One of this plants highlights is the white and pink toning throughout each flower as well as the striking yellow center.

For the southern United States, we have had a rough growing conditions over the last year. I was hoping to show you different blooms throughout the winter months. Unfortunately, the Japonicas this year have not shown exceptional flowers. We were able to shoot three different photos for you to see at least a few blooms.

Professor Sargent

Purple Dawn

Margie

Many areas of the world are able to experience the beauty of this plant family. I hope this gallery page has given you a visual of their buds and leaf structure as well as a brief description of just a few species.