Red Camellia (named cultivar ?)

Camellia japonica (single red)

$23.00

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 7-9

A camellia with a story we can only tell halfway. Years ago, a plant was dropped off at the nursery in Aiken — left for a friend to pick up and carry home to Korea. The pickup never happened. The plant stayed. The label, somewhere in the years that followed, was lost. We propagated her anyway, because she was too good to let slip, and because she has the particular bone structure of a real cultivar — someone, somewhere, named her.

What she is, plainly: a single-form Camellia japonica with short, heavily textured petals in deep oxblood red, arranged in a clean flat ring around a generous bright-yellow stamen boss. The single red japonica is one of the oldest forms in cultivation — it's the camellia that appears in Chinese paintings and porcelain from the 11th century onward, the camellia before camellias became the elaborate, ruffled, formal-double affairs of the Victorian show bench. Holding one of her flowers in your hand, you understand why early painters bothered. The contrast of the matte red against the gold center is graphic and arresting in a way the more ornate cultivars never quite manage.

She has glossy, dark green foliage and the upright, well-mannered habit of a good japonica. We've grown her long enough to know she performs reliably in part shade, blooms heavily, and reads beautifully against winter foliage and bare wood. As an unnamed selection she's a chance to own something not in any catalog, not in any breeder's registry — a camellia with provenance that ends, charmingly, at a doorstep.

For the gardener who would rather have one good plant with a story than three named ones without.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Schedule Delayed Shipping in your Cart
Hardiness Zones USDA Zones 7-9
Sun Part Shade
Soil Well-drained, Acid, Mulched, and Sandy
Mature size Height: 4-6 Feet / Spread: 2-4 Feet
Growth Rate Slow
Seasonality Evergreen

Flower, Fruit and Foliage

Flowers: Single-form blooms, approximately 3" across, with a flat ring of short, heavily textured petals in deep oxblood red — the kind of red that reads almost matte in low light and saturates further on overcast days. The center is a full boss of bright yellow stamens, abundant and contrasting. Bloom season runs late winter into early spring in our climate. The single form ages cleanly and drops with less of the brown-decay problem that plagues many of the older formal-double japonicas.

Fruit: Like most ornamental japonica selections in cultivation, she rarely sets seed under garden conditions, though older specimens may produce occasional capsules. Grown for the flower, not the fruit.

Foliage: Glossy, deep green, leathery leaves held densely on an upright frame. Foliage holds clean color through winter and provides good year-round structure even when the plant isn't in bloom.

Read full care instruction manual here.

Light Requirements: Prefers partial shade to dappled sunlight. While it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, providing some shade during the hottest part of the day in warmer regions helps prevent leaf scorch and promotes healthy growth.

Soil Requirements: Thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Use a soil mix rich in organic matter such as peat moss, pine bark, or compost to improve drainage and fertility.

Watering: Requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water deeply to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and maintain a cool root environment. Reduce watering in winter to avoid root rot.

Temperature and Humidity: Hardy in USDA zones 7-9. Camellia japonica prefers moderate temperatures and high humidity. Protect from harsh winter winds and frost, especially in colder regions. In very cold climates, consider growing in containers that can be moved indoors during extreme cold spells.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. A light feeding after flowering can promote healthy growth.

Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased wood. Light pruning helps encourage bushier growth and better air circulation. Avoid heavy pruning, which can reduce the following year's blooms.

Pests and Problems: Generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to scale insects, aphids, and spider mites. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. If pests are detected, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root rot can occur if the soil is kept too wet.

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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.

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

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.