- Mature height
- 2m to 4m
- Mature width
- 2m to 3m
Camellia japonica 'Emperor of Russia' is an old red flowered cultivar with peony form blooms in deep crimson, loosely built and showing gold stamens among the inner petals. Foliage is dark, glossy and dense. The shrub grows upright and rounded, holding its shape without much intervention from the gardener.
It grows best in partial shade or filtered sun with protection from hot westerly afternoon sun, in acidic, free draining soil. Cool and warm temperate regions suit it, from Tasmania through to the highlands of south east Queensland. It handles light to moderate frost. Growth runs 20 to 50 centimetres a year.
Use it as a feature in a shaded garden, as part of a mixed evergreen screen, or in a woodland planting alongside rhododendrons and Japanese maples. The strong flower colour reads well from a distance. It gives a buyer winter presence in the part of the garden that usually has none.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Emperor of Russia Camellia
What is an Emperor of Russia Camellia?
It is an old red flowered japonica, grown in Australian gardens for well over a century. The blooms are peony form in deep crimson, loosely built with gold stamens showing through the inner petals. Foliage is dark, glossy and dense, and the shrub grows upright and rounded.
How big does Emperor of Russia grow?
Mature size is around 2.5 to 3.5 metres high and 1.5 to 2.5 metres wide, reached over fifteen to twenty years. It is naturally upright, so it suits narrower spaces than the height suggests. Regular light pruning after flowering will keep it at about two metres indefinitely.
How fast does Emperor of Russia grow?
Around 20 to 50 centimetres a year once settled, which is a moderate rate. The first two years after planting are slower while the roots establish. Warm temperate conditions, acidic soil and consistent summer moisture push it to the top of that range. Cold or exposed sites slow it noticeably.
When does Emperor of Russia flower?
From mid winter into spring, generally July to October, with the heaviest flush through August. The deep crimson holds its colour well and does not fade towards purple in cool weather. Flowers drop whole rather than shattering on the bush, which keeps the plant looking tidy.
Can Emperor of Russia be grown in a pot?
Yes, though it needs a large container given its eventual size. Use a pot of 50 centimetres or more, a free draining acidic mix, and expect to root prune every three or four years. Potted plants stay considerably smaller than garden specimens and need watering right through summer.
Is Emperor of Russia frost tolerant?
It tolerates light to moderate frost once established and grows well in tableland and cool temperate gardens. Young plants should be sheltered for their first winters. Buds are hardier than open flowers, so a severe frost on an open bloom browns the petal edges without harming the plant itself.
How do I care for an Emperor of Russia Camellia?
Keep the soil acidic and mulched, water deeply through summer while buds are forming, and feed after flowering with a camellia fertiliser. Prune to shape in spring, immediately after the last blooms fall. If leaves pale between the veins, apply iron chelate and check drainage, which is the usual cause.
