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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here are four of the varieties from above in bloom.
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.
