Evergreen Shrub – Yuletide Camellia

Yuletide camellia

 Botanical name: camellia x vernalis ‘yuletide’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: about 8-10 ft in height and in spread 

Hardy zone:  zones 8-10 

Foliage color: green 

Flower color: pink/red 

Bloom time:  fall, winter 

Growth rate:  grows 1-2 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the late winter/early spring, right after the shrub looses all of its blooms

Propagation methods:  propagate with cuttings in the spring or summer 

Landscape use:  specimen, hedge, privacy, container plant

Light needs: 3-5 hours of sun per day 

Special features: winter interest, long blooming periods, low maintenance, attracts pollinators 

Watering instructions: allow the first 1-2 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions :  use a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant:  spring or fall

Best type of soil: sand or loam 

Companion plants: christmas jewel holly, ferns, winter daphne, hellebores

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no