Camellia japonica in its white flowering form is an upright, broad and densely leafed evergreen shrub. Pure white blooms open against deep green glossy foliage through winter and into spring, when most gardens have little else in flower. Plain white against dark leaves is one of the more restrained combinations available in an ornamental planting.
Part shade is the position it wants, ideally morning sun with shelter from hot afternoon light, which discolours white petals. Soil should be well drained, slightly acidic and mulched. Growth is moderate, reaching a spread of 1.5 to 2.5 metres and a height of roughly 2 to 4 metres. Light to moderate frost is handled once established.
This one is used for screening a fence, filling an understorey, forming a soft informal hedge or standing as a single feature in a shaded courtyard. A pot 40 to 50 centimetres wide holds one plant near an entry. Feature plantings sit 3 to 4 metres apart so each shrub has room to develop its full form.
Frequently Asked Questions
About White Flowering Camellia
What is the White Flowering Camellia?
It is Camellia japonica, the common camellia, in a white flowered selection. The plant is an evergreen shrub with broad upright growth and thick glossy dark green leaves, carrying pure white blooms through winter and spring. It is not an Australian native, but it has been grown in Australian gardens since the nineteenth century.
How big does it grow?
It spreads to 1.5 to 2.5 metres wide and reaches roughly 2 to 4 metres in height depending on age and position. Growth is moderate rather than fast. Pruning straight after flowering keeps it to whatever dimensions the space allows, and the plant tolerates being held well under its natural size for decades.
Where does it grow best in Australia?
Cool to temperate districts suit it best, including Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and the tablelands and coastal belts nearby. It also performs in the cooler ranges of south east Queensland. Hot dry inland areas and the humid tropics are the two climates where it consistently struggles without significant intervention.
Is it evergreen or deciduous?
Fully evergreen. The dense glossy foliage stays on the plant all year, dropping old leaves gradually rather than in a seasonal flush. That makes it a dependable screening and structure plant, and it is one of the few evergreens that also carries a substantial flowering display in the middle of winter.
Can I use it as a hedge?
Yes, though it makes a soft informal hedge rather than a crisp architectural one, and its moderate growth rate means patience. Space plants around 1 to 1.5 metres apart along the line. Trim lightly after flowering each year, taking new growth only. For a formal clipped result, a small leafed sasanqua camellia is the easier choice.
Is it safe around pets and children?
Camellia japonica is listed as non toxic to dogs, cats and horses, and it is not regarded as a poisoning risk to children. There are no spines or irritant sap to worry about. As with any garden plant, discourage children and animals from chewing the foliage, but nothing about this species calls for special precautions.
How do I care for a White Flowering Camellia?
Water deeply through the first two summers and continue through autumn while flower buds are setting. Mulch over the shallow root system, kept clear of the trunk. Feed with a camellia or azalea fertiliser after flowering ends, and never lime the soil. Prune lightly in spring, thinning crowded branches rather than shearing the surface.