Anacostia Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Anacostia'
1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 7-9
The United States National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. sits on 446 acres of rolling ground above the Anacostia River — a place where serious horticultural work has been done quietly and without fanfare for the better part of a century. It is from this institution, and from the river that borders it, that Camellia japonica 'Anacostia' takes its name. Selected at the Arboretum for cold hardiness and reliable performance at the northern edge of camellia country, it carries the institutional weight of that origin into every garden it enters.
Camellias arrived in the Western world in the eighteenth century, carried from China and Japan by plant hunters who recognized immediately that they were looking at something extraordinary. In Asia they had been cultivated for well over a thousand years — as ornamental plants, as sources of tea and camellia oil, as subjects of poetry and painting and sustained botanical attention. By the time they reached the gardens of Europe and the American South, they had already been refined into thousands of named forms. 'Anacostia' represents a specifically American chapter of that long story: a selection made not for the mild winters of Kyushu or the Azores but for the colder, more demanding conditions of the mid-Atlantic and upper South.
The flowers are deep red, formal to semi-formal in form, with the dense, layered petal arrangement that makes a well-grown camellia look almost architectural in the winter garden. They appear from late winter into early spring, at the precise moment when the garden is most in need of them. The foliage — dark, glossy, and evergreen — earns its place through the rest of the year without asking for attention. This is a plant that has been refined over centuries to do exactly what it does. It shows.
Photos courtesy of JC Raulston Arboretum and Scott A.
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| Hardiness Zones | USDA Zones 7-9 |
| Sun | Part Shade |
| Soil | Well-drained and Acid |
| Mature size | Height: 6-10 Feet / Spread: 4-6 Feet |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Seasonality | Evergreen |
Flower, Fruit and Foliage
The 'Anacostia' camellia produces large, semi-double to peony-form flowers that are a rich, vibrant red. The blooms are typically 4 to 5 inches in diameter, showcasing a beautiful contrast against the glossy, dark green foliage. The flowering period is from late winter to early spring, adding a splash of color during the cooler months.
Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.
Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.
We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.