The Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica) is an evergreen shrub or small tree, known for its striking flowers and high ornamental value, which has been admired for centuries. Native to East Asia, this plant has captivated gardens around the world with a notable characteristic: while most species are still dormant at the end of winter, it begins its exuberant flowering during this period. With petals ranging from white to intense red and shiny dark green foliage that remains attractive all year round, the Japanese Camellia quickly established itself as one of the favorites in global landscaping. From Japan to Brazil, passing through Europe, this species has proven its versatility in both large parks and small residential gardens, adapting to different climates and cultures while maintaining its natural elegance.
The scientific name Camellia japonica derives from the genus Camellia, named by Carl Linnaeus in honor of the Jesuit botanist Georg Joseph Kamel, who contributed to the knowledge of Asian flora. The specific epithet japonica was given by Linnaeus in 1753, not because it is a species originating exclusively from Japan, but because the German physician and naturalist Engelbert Kaempfer was one of the first Europeans to describe it after seeing it first in Japan. Despite the name, Camellia japonica is native to regions of East Asia, including China (Zhejiang and Jiangsu), southern Korea, Taiwan, and Japan (especially the Kantō region).
The Japanese Camellia has its roots deeply embedded in the temperate forests of East Asia, where it has developed over millennia under specific conditions of altitude and climate. These plants naturally thrive in forest environments situated between 984 and 3,609 feet (300 and 1,100 meters) in altitude, where they find the ideal balance between humidity, fertility, protection, and filtered sunlight through the tree canopy.
Modern taxonomy recognizes two distinct varieties within the species Camellia japonica, each adapted to specific environmental conditions:
- The Camellia japonica var. japonica, which corresponds to the form originally described by Linnaeus. This variety is the most widely distributed and cultivated. It is characterized by leaves with glabrous petioles approximately 0.39 inches (1 centimeter) long and velvety bracteoles, flowering from mid-winter to spring. It is from this variety that most of the ornamental cultivars found in gardens around the world are derived.
- The Camellia japonica var. rusticana exhibits distinctive morphological and ecological characteristics that reflect its adaptation to more extreme conditions. Known in Japan as “yuki-tsubaki” or “snow camellia,” this variety naturally occurs at altitudes ranging from 394 to 3,608 feet (120 to 1,100 meters), on sloped terrain under beech forests. Its exceptional cold resistance allows it to survive under snow layers up to 7.9 feet (2.4 meters) deep from December to March, emerging to bloom as soon as the snow melts in early spring. Morphologically, it is distinguished by shorter petioles (about 0.2 inches or 5 millimeters) and pubescent at the base, as well as completely smooth bracteoles. Its flowers, which bloom in the spring, display shades ranging from red to pink in various intensities.
The Japanese Camellia is a woody species, appearing as a shrub or small evergreen tree. Under ideal conditions, it reaches heights of 4.9 to 19.7 feet (1.5 to 6 meters), and can exceptionally reach up to 36 feet (11 meters), with a proportionally dense and branched width. The root system is taproot but shallow, adapted to well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The stems are erect or ascending, with abundant branching from the base; the young branches have a purple-brownish color that evolves to gray-brownish over time. The bark is smooth on new branches and becomes slightly rough on older ones, with a diameter varying according to the age of the plant.
The leaves of Camellia japonica are simple, alternate, and persistent (evergreen), arranged along the branches. They have an elliptical to oblong-elliptical shape, with an acuminate apex and cuneate base; the margins are finely serrated, and each tooth ends in a small dark gland. The leaf blade measures between 2 to 4.7 inches (5 to 12 cm) in length and 1 to 2.8 inches (2.5 to 7 cm) in width, supported by short petioles of 0.2 to 0.4 inches (5 to 10 mm). The adaxial (upper) surface is dark green, glossy, and coriaceous (thick and rigid), while the abaxial (lower) side is lighter and may present brown glandular punctuations. The veins are evident on the lower face and the leaf ensemble gives a dense aspect to the canopy.
The Japanese Camellia is a monoecious species with hermaphroditic flowers that are either isolated or grouped in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches. Flowering predominantly occurs at the end of winter through early spring in temperate climates; in subtropical regions, it may extend over longer periods. The inflorescences are axillary or subterminal, generally solitary or in pairs, supporting large flowers (2.4 to 5.1 inches (6 to 13 cm) in diameter), without a noticeable fragrance. The flowers display radial symmetry, with numerous petals (ranging from five to dozens in cultivars), in white, pink, or red colors — variations such as striped or spotted may occur depending on the cultivar.
It is interesting to note that the flowers of the Japanese Camellia follow a classification similar to that of peonies and roses, with simple, semi-double, irregular semi-double, formal double, anemone form, and informal double flowers (also known as peony form). Pollination is primarily carried out by insects (entomophily) and birds such as the Zosterops japonicus. The fruit is a woody, dehiscent, globular capsule, brown when mature, measuring between 1 and 1.8 inches (2.5 and 4.5 cm) in diameter. Each fruit contains up to three large, globular, hard seeds (0.4–0.8 inches (1–2 cm)), mainly dispersed by gravity after the capsule opens.
The Japanese Camellia is one of the most selectively bred and hybridized ornamental species of all time, such that there are thousands of cultivars and hybrids available, with different sizes, floral and foliar characteristics, and adaptive capacities to various climate and soil conditions. In addition to specific cultivars, it can produce hybrids with other Camellias, such as Camellia reticulata, Camellia cuspidata, or Camellia sasanqua. Among these, we can mention some cultivars awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Award of Garden Merit and quite popular worldwide:
- ‘Desire’ – features a vigorous erect habit and produces formal double flowers up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, with white to pale pink petals and more intense pink edges, creating a delicate and elegant effect
- ‘Mars’ – is a large shrub with a more lax habit, featuring deep red semi-double flowers about 4.7 inches (12 cm) across, with prominently visible golden stamens
- ‘Konronkoku’ – blooms in spring with intense red double flowers about 4 inches (10 cm) across, on a compact and erect shrub, ideal for partial shade
- ‘Silver Anniversary’ – a perennial shrub up to 8.2 feet (2.5 m) tall, with glossy leaves and peony-shaped flowers, snow-white with irregularly dispersed golden stamens
- ‘Nuccio’s Gem’ – a cultivar famous for combining durability and an abundance of pale pink flowers, highly recommended by the RHS for its moisture resistance and longevity
- ‘Adelina Patti’ – a classic cultivar, with double flowers in shades of soft pink, often praised for its formal shape and regular blooming in mid-winter
- ‘Bob Hope’ – a shrub with evergreen foliage and an ideal bushy habit for shaded gardens, featuring intensely colored flowers and excellent resistance to pests and diseases
- ‘Gloire de Nantes’ – features soft, dome-shaped pink flowers on an elegant shrub, greatly appreciated for its early blooming and classic shape
- ‘Ballet Dancer’ – a cultivar adored by the RHS for its medium size and double flowers in pale pink shades, reminiscent of delicate ballerinas
- ‘Jupiter’ – features dark pink semi-double flowers on a robust shrub that tolerates temperate garden conditions well, with showy blooming in spring.
The Japanese Camellia has a rich history in both Eastern and Western cultures. In Japan, where it is called tsubaki, the camellia was cultivated in noble gardens and associated with tea ceremonies, symbolizing friendship, elegance, and harmony. However, because it often sheds its flowers entirely, it also came to represent the transience of life and the proximity of death. In China, the flower has been depicted in paintings and porcelain since the 11th century, especially in versions with simple red flowers.
The arrival of the Camellia japonica in Europe occurred between the 17th and 18th centuries, initially through Jesuit missionaries, traders, and botanists. The plant quickly became a sensation among aristocrats and intellectuals, being cultivated in noble gardens in England, Germany, France, and Italy. A notable example is the Pillnitz Camellia, planted in Germany in 1801, which still blooms today and can produce up to 35,000 flowers each season. The Japanese Camellia was celebrated in European art and literature, such as in Alexandre Dumas’s novel The Lady of the Camellias, which later inspired the opera La Traviata, immortalizing the flower as a symbol of tragic beauty.
The popularity of the Japanese Camellia also spread to America and Oceania. In Australia, botanist William Macarthur was responsible for the introduction and hybridization of hundreds of varieties in the 19th century, with the cultivar ‘Aspasia Macarthur’ being particularly notable. In the United States, the Japanese Camellia was introduced in 1807 and extensively cultivated in the South, especially in historic gardens like Magnolia-on-the-Ashley in South Carolina. Today, it is the state flower of Alabama.
According to Portuguese accounts, the Japanese Camellia was brought to Portuguese lands as early as the 16th century by navigators from the Far East, and became particularly popular in the regions of Terras de Basto and Lisbon. In Brazil, there are indications of its arrival in the 19th century, brought by Portuguese immigrants like José de Seixas Magalhães, who cultivated the flower for its resemblance to gardens in northern Portugal. From there, the plant began to spread in Rio de Janeiro, becoming a cultural symbol and linked to social movements such as the abolition of slavery. In all these regions, the Japanese Camellia gained status not only as an ornamental but also as a cultural object, being the subject of exhibitions, literature, and specialized horticulture.
In landscaping, the Camellia japonica is primarily valued as an ornamental plant due to its elegant stature and showy flowering from late winter to early spring. It can be used alone as a focal point in flower beds or grouped together to form dense hedges that provide privacy and protection against winds. Its dense canopy provides adequate partial shade for rest areas or wooded paths in residential gardens. It is essential in classic oriental gardens or landscaping projects that seek elegance highlighted by the contrast between shiny evergreen foliage and striking seasonal blooms.
Japanese Camellia can be combined with Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.), Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.), Ferns, and other species that enjoy acidic soils and shaded environments. Its ability to attract pollinators makes it useful in ecological projects or gardens aimed at attracting wildlife. The intricately cut flowers are valued in Japanese floral art (ikebana) or in homemade floral arrangements due to their post-harvest durability. In well-lit indoor spaces, it can be temporarily grown in ornamental pots during the flowering period, adding sophistication and charm to the decor.
In addition to its use as an ornamental, studies have identified compounds such as lupeol, squalene, and other triterpenoids in the leaves of Japanese Camellia, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing activities, being utilized in medicinal and cosmetic preparations. Its seeds are rich in oil—known as tsubaki oil in Japan—traditionally used to nourish the skin, soften hair, treat skin irritations, and prevent dryness, besides being light, easily absorbed, and resistant to oxidation. In cooking, the oil is especially used as a finishing oil, due to its neutral flavor and beneficial properties. In the industry, the oil and extracts of Camellia japonica are used in natural cosmetic products, soaps, lotions, anti-aging creams, and hair formulations, standing out as a resource of great functional and cosmetic value.
Although it is not the traditional tea plant (Camellia sinensis), Camellia japonica can also be used to make a functional tea full of benefits. Studies in South Korea have shown that its leaves and flowers contain caffeine, catechins, tannins, theanine, vitamin C, and several amino acids, which give the beverage a mild, slightly astringent flavor and antioxidant potential. The tea made from the flowers, for example, is rich in theanine and vitamin C, excellent for relaxation and boosting immunity.
The Japanese Camellia thrives best in partial shade conditions, with filtered light or gentle sun, especially in the morning or late afternoon. Direct exposure to intense sunlight can cause leaf burns and affect the durability of the flowers, while excessive shade reduces blooming. It prefers temperate to subtropical climates, tolerating temperatures between 50°F (10°C) and 77°F (25°C), but can withstand short periods of moderate cold. In very hot regions, it is essential to protect from strong sun and dry winds. The plant is sensitive to severe frosts and prolonged intense cold, which can cause leaf damage or loss of floral buds below 23°F (-5°C). Strong winds dehydrate leaves and flowers, so it is recommended to install them in sheltered locations.
The ideal soil for Japanese Camellia should be acidic (pH between 5.5 and 6.5), fertile, rich in organic matter, light, and with excellent drainage. Sandy-clay or humus-rich textures are preferable; compacted or waterlogged soils promote root rot. In pots, use a specific substrate for acid-loving plants or mixtures based on peat, perlite, and organic compost. Watering is crucial for good flowering of camellias, it should be regular to keep the soil lightly moist, without saturation; avoid both drying out and excess water. Alkaline or calcareous water can induce chlorosis and poor growth; prefer rainwater or filtered water if necessary. The frequency of watering varies with the climate and soil type, but generally, it is sufficient to irrigate two to three times a week during dry periods. Keep in mind that camellias do not tolerate drought.
In garden planting, dig wide holes to accommodate the root ball of the camellia, avoiding burying the plant’s collar. It is recommended to apply an annual fertilization with well-rotted organic fertilizers (compost or manure) and supplementation with balanced NPK formulations for acidophiles at the beginning of spring and after flowering. The use of soil conditioners based on peat and composted pine helps to acidify the soil or substrate, as well as the occasional addition of elemental sulfur. Do not use limestone, shell meal, eggshell meal, or ashes in the soil preparation for acid-loving plants such as Japanese Camellia, as these materials are alkalizing and can hinder the development of these plants. The use of complete fertilizers with micronutrients such as Boron and Potassium can help prevent the premature drop of floral buds.
Staking is rarely necessary due to the shrubby size and woody growth; use it only for young seedlings subject to winds, or trained with a single stem, like a small tree. Perform light pruning after flowering to remove dry or poorly formed branches and stimulate vigorous new growth; avoid drastic pruning that could compromise the next flowering, but consider that Japanese Camellia produces flowers on branches that grew in the current year. The application of mulch with pine bark or dry leaves helps maintain acidity, stable moisture, and protects the superficial roots against thermal variations.
Camellia japonica shows moderate sensitivity to pests such as different types of scale insects, aphids, and mites; it can also be attacked by caterpillars in open environments. Among the fungal diseases, leaf spot, root rot by Phytophthora, and petal blight (Ciborinia camelliae), which causes darkening of the petals, are prominent. Management includes regular inspection of leaves and flowers, manual removal of initial foci, judicious use of natural insecticides (neem oil), and specific fungicides when necessary. Good ventilation around the plant prevents fungal diseases; avoiding watering flowers during irrigation reduces the incidence of petal blight.
During the late fall and early winter, the monthly application of Bordeaux mixture on Japanese Camellia plants is recommended to prevent the appearance of fungal diseases, as well as the premature drop of buds and spots on the flowers. However, the mixture should not be applied during flowering. Apply on cloudy days, during the cooler hours of the day.
The most efficient propagation of Japanese Camellia occurs through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early fall: cut segments of healthy branches about 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long containing two to three leaves, remove the lower leaves and dip the base into rooting hormone (IBA – Indolebutyric Acid) before planting in a light substrate under a humid environment shielded from direct light until rooting occurs (6–12 weeks). Grafting onto vigorous rootstocks is also used for valuable and rare cultivars. Layering in the soil can be a slow method, but it will also work on flexible branches. Seed multiplication is possible but seldom used, and is generally limited to developers of new cultivars, due to the low germination rate and high genetic variability; in this case, the time until the first flowering can exceed five years. However, plants propagated by cuttings generally begin flowering between two and four years after rooting.
