====== Camellia ======

**//Camellia japonica//** — Japanese Camellia

{{https://immich.macduff.info/api/assets/21279889-8937-46d9-8d87-bc8a3d4f325b/thumbnail?key=krjOXAaa3tFImmaSRzZiuVlG-RnvNDSIm135njNK3JZ75jnanVv1fkZJwi9f9hcWO1o&size=preview|Camellia japonica shrub with drip irrigation, March 2026}}

//Photo: March 20, 2026 at 14:17 — multi-stemmed shrub showing characteristic dark glossy leaves; drip irrigation line at base. Large-leaved plant (possibly Fatsia japonica) visible lower right, conifers behind.//

===== About =====

*Camellia japonica* is a classic evergreen ornamental shrub prized for its stunning flowers (typically mid-winter to spring) and lustrous dark foliage. This specimen in the [[garden:monkey_puzzle_strip|Monkey Puzzle Strip]] has established well and benefits from the sheltered, partially shaded microclimate under the conifers. The drip irrigation at its base indicates it is actively tended.

===== Key Characteristics =====

  * **Type:** Evergreen shrub / small tree, family Theaceae
  * **Flowers:** Typically mid-winter to spring (January–April in the Pacific Northwest); single, semi-double, or double; white, pink, red, or variegated
  * **Foliage:** Small-medium oval, glossy dark green leaves — very distinctive
  * **Size:** Usually 2–5 m; slow to moderate growth
  * **Form:** Upright to spreading, multi-stemmed

===== Care Notes =====

^ Aspect          ^ Details ^
| **Hardiness**   | Hardy to about −10°C (Zone 7); sheltered position important |
| **Soil**        | Acidic (pH 5.5–6.5), humus-rich, well-drained but moisture-retentive |
| **Sun**         | Dappled shade to morning sun; avoid hot afternoon sun (bleaches flowers) and harsh east winds (thaws frozen buds too quickly) |
| **Watering**    | Regular watering, especially when establishing and during dry spells; drip irrigation ideal |
| **Pruning**     | Light shaping after flowering; remove dead or crossing stems |
| **Fertilising** | Ericaceous fertiliser after flowering; avoid overfeeding with nitrogen (promotes leaf at expense of flower) |
| **Mulching**    | Mulch annually with bark, leaf mould, or pine needles — do not bury the stem |
| **Pests**       | Vine weevil (look for notched leaf edges); scale insects; occasionally honey fungus on stressed plants |

===== Notes =====

  * **Bud drop** is common when conditions change suddenly (temperature fluctuation, drought, or overwatering) — keep conditions stable
  * Avoid moving an established plant if possible
  * Deadhead spent flowers to keep tidy and prevent petal blight spread
  * The cultivar/flower colour of this specimen is not yet documented — photograph when in bloom

===== Action Needed =====

  * [ ] Photograph flowers when in bloom to confirm cultivar
  * [ ] Note flower colour and form for identification

===== See Also =====

  * [[garden:monkey_puzzle_strip|Monkey Puzzle Strip — area overview]]
  * [[garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:pieris|Pieris japonica]]
  * [[garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:monkey_puzzle|Monkey Puzzle Tree]]