Giant-fruited Camellia
Camellia gigantocarpa
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Camellia gigantocarpa is a rare and remarkable species from the subtropical forests of southern China, first documented in the wild in the 1980s in Guangxi Province. The name says the essential thing: gigantocarpa, giant fruit. Where most camellias are grown for flowers, this species is prized above all for the great woody seed capsules that follow them, among the largest in the entire genus.
The flowers are no afterthought, large and single, white to the palest pink around a boss of golden stamens, opening in the cool months to give an early show. They give way to the famous fruit: rounded, rough-skinned capsules that can reach four to five inches across, thick-walled and heavy, an oddity that has made the species a favorite of collectors and botanic gardens. The seeds carry a high oil content, and in parts of China the plant is grown as an oil camellia.
Found naturally in subtropical evergreen forest, Camellia gigantocarpa grows into a handsome small tree or large shrub with the glossy, leathery evergreen foliage of the genus. Limited habitat and the pressure of deforestation have made the species rare in the wild, and cultivation in gardens and arboreta now plays a real part in keeping the plant going. A choice and unusual evergreen for the warm, sheltered garden, and a conversation piece whenever the fruit appears.
Photos courtesy of Daniel Barthelemy.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 7–9
- Sun
- Part Shade, Full Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, Acid
- Mature size
- Height 10–20 Feet · Spread 8–12 Feet
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.