Camellia japonica 'Debutante'

Camellia
Theaceae
Evergreen, Shrubs

CAMELLIA

Native to eastern and southern Asia. There are over 3,000 named kinds, and the range in color, size, and form is remarkable. The genus includes the plant from which we get tea, but most garden plants are robust shrubs that flower in winter or spring.

 

Camellia japonica

Camellia japonica is the plant most gardeners have in mind when they speak of camellias. Naturally a large shrub or small tree but variable in size, growth rate, and habit. Hundred-year-old plants in California reach 20 ft. high and equally wide, and even larger specimens exist. Most gardeners, however, can consider japonicas to be shrubs 6–12 ft. high and wide. Many are lower growing.

Higo camellias are a category of japonicas that has been bred for more than 200 years in Japan. Generally compact plants, they have dense, heavy foliage and thick-petaled single flowers with a broad, full brush of stamens in the center. In the ideal Higo camellia, the mass of stamens should be at least half the diameter of flower. Colors include white, pink, and red—both solid and variegated, as with regular japonicas.

Included here are japonica varieties that are current favorites among Western gardeners, as well as a number of old standbys whose beauty belies their age. Some are among the oldest varieties still in commerce, having been brought to Europe and the U.S. from China and Japan in the 19th century or even earlier (these venerable camellias are noted by date of introduction in the text).

Season of bloom is specified as early, midseason, or late. In California, early means October to January; midseason, January to March; late, March to May. In the Southwest, early means October to December; midseason, January and February; late, March and April. In the Northwest, early means December to February; midseason, March and April; late, May.

Flower size is also noted for each variety. Very large blooms are over 5 in. wide; large, 4–5 in.; medium-large, 3 1/2–4 in.; medium, 3–3 1/2 in.; small, 2 1/2–3 in.; and miniature, 2 1/2 in. or less.

'Debutante'

Early to midseason. Medium-large, light pink peony-form flowers. Profuse bloomer. Vigorous upright growth. Tolerates considerable sun.