Evergreen Shrubs (Flowering) – Camellia Japonica

Botanical name: Camellia Japonica

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: grows at least 5 ft tall but can reach heights of up to 30 ft and grows 5-10 ft in width

Bloom time: winter/early spring

Hardy zone: zones 8-10

Flower color: pink, red, white, yellow

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: grows about 1 ft per year

Pruning instructions: prune in the late spring/early summer after the plant is done flowering for the season

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: provides rich foliage and long lasting blooms to garden spaces

Light needs: about 3-6 hours of sun a day

Special features: oils can be extracted to make essential oils

Watering instructions: requires consistent moisture

Fertilizing instructions : fertilize once a month from early spring to early summer with 4-8-8

Best time to plant: spring, early summer, fall, early winter

Best type of soil: can adapt to all types of soil

Companion plants: ferns and hostas, hydrangeas, magnolia, pieris

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets

Invasive species: no