- Mature height
- 2m to 4m
- Mature width
- 2m to 3m
Camellia japonica 'San Dimas' is an evergreen shrub with deep red semi double flowers, each opening flat to show a centre of golden stamens. The petals have a firm, almost waxy substance that holds up in wet weather. Foliage is dark, glossy and densely set on an upright frame.
Give it filtered light, shelter from hot wind, and an acidic, free draining soil kept moist through summer. It grows 20 to 50 cm a year and takes light to moderate frost once established. Once settled it copes with short dry spells, though it is not a plant for dry gardens without irrigation.
It is used in shaded courtyards, along south facing walls, and as a mid layer shrub under established trees where flower colour is otherwise hard to achieve. In coastal gardens it works behind a windbreak. The strong bloom colour reads well from a distance, which matters in larger landscape plantings.
Frequently Asked Questions
About San Dimas Camellia
What is Camellia japonica 'San Dimas'?
An evergreen flowering shrub grown for deep red semi double blooms with a bright central boss of stamens, carried against dark glossy leaves. It is a japonica camellia, so the flowers arrive in the cooler months. The habit is upright and dense, and the plant holds its foliage right through the year.
How big does San Dimas Camellia grow?
About 2 to 3 metres tall and 1.5 to 2 metres wide at maturity, reached gradually over ten to fifteen years. In a container or a dark position it will stay smaller. Pruning after flowering each year keeps it at whatever height suits the bed without spoiling the following display.
Does it need sun or shade?
Filtered sun or partial shade. The ideal is gentle morning light with shade from midday onwards, or dappled light under high open trees. Hot afternoon sun burns the leaf margins and fades the flowers quickly. Very deep shade keeps the plant healthy but noticeably reduces the number of buds set.
Is it drought tolerant?
Only moderately. An established plant with a good mulch layer will ride out a few dry weeks, but camellias set their flower buds over summer and drought stress at that time means fewer flowers the following winter. Plan on a deep soak every week or two through hot, rainless periods.
Is it suitable for coastal positions?
It grows well in coastal gardens provided it sits behind a fence, wall or hedge that takes the direct salt wind. Camellias are not front line dune plants, but a few streets back from the beach they perform reliably, and the sandy soils common there suit them once organic matter is added.
Is it evergreen?
Yes. The dark glossy leaves are held all year, so the shrub keeps its screening value and structure through every season. A modest number of older leaves yellow and drop in spring as the new growth emerges, which is normal for camellias and not a sign of ill health.
How do I care for San Dimas Camellia?
Mulch to keep the shallow roots cool, water deeply through summer, and apply an acidic slow release fertiliser once flowering finishes. Prune to shape at the same time. If leaves yellow between the veins, treat with iron chelate and check that nothing alkaline is leaching into the bed.
