What is the difference between a camellia and a Japonica?

While the Japanese (Camellia japonica) and sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua) camellias are very similar, the main difference between the two species is their bloom time. Japanese camellias may bloom between fall and spring, depending on the cultivar.

How big do Japonica camellias get?

In garden settings, Japanese camellias typically reach 6 to 12 feet in height and width, but they can grow twice that tall. Their dark, leathery, 4-inch leaves complement blooms measuring 5 to 6 inches across.

Are Camellia japonica fast growing?

Camellia shrubs vary in size from 1-20 metre, most offered on line and in garden centres are medium sized and slow growing, up to a few metres. Check out other Spring flowering shrubs, and also evergreen shrubs for more ideas. Camellia is a red wheelbarrow shrub, which shows it is difficult to grow.

Which Camellia is best in full sun?

sasanqua camellias
Also, consider how much sunlight you have available: Japanese camellias do best with a bit of morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sun all day, while sasanqua camellias prefer full sun. Most camellias will survive the winter in zones 7 to 10 (plus there are some new varieties that will also survive in zone 6).

Is Camellia japonica poisonous?

Although camellias are not poisonous, how you care for them can make them dangerous. Both Camellia japonica and sinensis grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7 through 9 and can be grown indoors. Whether indoors or out, camellias can face insect problems such as aphids, mites or scale.

Does Camellia like sun?

Camellias prefer a position that is in dappled or full shade. An area that gets morning shade is best as direct sun in the morning can dry out the developing flower buds too quickly. Camellias are woodland plants and do not cope well in a sunny, south facing spot.

What does camellia symbolize?

Generally, camellia flowers symbolize love, affection, and admiration. White camellias symbolize adoration and is given to someone who is well-liked. Pink camellias symbolize a longing for someone and is given to someone who is missed. Red camellias symbolize love, passion, and deep desire.

What are the leaves of a Camellia japonica?

Leaves are a deep glossy green, oval to ovate, tapering to a short point and 7-10cm long. Solitary, white or pink flowers 6-10cm in diameter are borne at the end of branchlets in spring

When does the Camellia japonica bloom in England?

C. japonica ‘Alba Plena’ is nicknamed the “Bourbon Camellia”. Captain Connor of the East Indiaman Carnatic, brought the flower to England in 1792. The flowers are pure white and about 3 to 4 inches across. It blooms earlier than most cultivated camellias, in the early winter or spring, and can flower for 4 to 5 months.

What kind of soil does a Japanese camellia need?

Part shade lovers, Japanese camellias are best grown in consistently moist, acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils. Apply a root mulch (leaves or shredded bark) and provide a site sheltered from cold, dry winds as buds and flowers may be damaged by cold winds.

How old do Japanese camellias live to be?

Long-lived, some Japanese camellias, around the emperor’s palace in Japan, are known to be more than 500 years old. Unfortunately, Japanese camellias are not always cold-hardy. The blooms of Japanese camellias come in every size, from miniature flowers, 1.5 in. (4 cm), to huge blossoms reaching 5 in.