Japanese Camellia Camellia japonica 'Akashigata'
ABOUT
The Camellia japonica 'Akashigata', commonly known as the Japanese camellia, is a plant notable for its striking appearance. It features glossy, dark green leaves providing a lush backdrop for its prominent flowers. The blooms are large and showy, characterized by a vibrant mix of pink and white hues. Each flower consists of numerous petals arranged in a peony-like form, creating an indulgently ruffled look that exudes a sense of elegance and romance. The flowers of the Japanese camellia 'Akashigata' make it a center of attraction in any garden, especially when they are in full bloom, exuding a delicate beauty that's hard to ignore. Its luxurious petals have a velvety texture that further enhances the visual appeal of the plant. The combination of the lustrous leaves and the exquisite flowers gives the Japanese camellia an aura of sophistication, making it a beloved choice for ornamental garden displays. While the Japanese camellia could be grown as a standalone specimen, it also makes an excellent addition to flower arrangements and garden compositions, where its charming flowers can be appreciated up close. Its presence in a garden setting adds a touch of classic beauty that is enjoyed by many gardening enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Theaceae
Synonyms
Japanese Camellia, Rose Of Winter, Akashigata Camellia
Common names
Thea japonica 'Akashigata', Camellia 'Akashigata'.
ToxicityTo humans
Japanese camellia, commonly known as Camellia japonica 'Akashigata', is not considered toxic to humans. It does not contain any known toxic principles that would cause harm if ingested. Therefore, consuming parts of the Japanese camellia is not typically associated with poisoning or adverse symptoms in humans.
To pets
Japanese camellia, commonly known as Camellia japonica 'Akashigata', is generally considered non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. It does not contain substances known to pose a risk of poisoning. Consequently, ingesting parts of the Japanese camellia should not cause toxic symptoms in pets. However, consuming plant material may still potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals, due to the fiber content or general sensitivity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3.0 meters)
Spread
6-10 feet (1.8-3.0 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Aesthetic: Camellia japonica 'Akashigata', also known as Japanese camellia, offers beautiful pink flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Year-Round Foliage: This evergreen shrub retains its glossy, dark green leaves throughout the year, providing a constant backdrop of foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Japanese camellia typically requires minimal pruning and care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Shade Tolerance: It can thrive in partial shade, allowing it to be planted in various locations within a garden that may not be suitable for sun-loving plants.
- Long Blooming Period: The blooming season of Japanese camellia extends from late winter to early spring, offering color when few other plants are in flower.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, these camellias can tolerate periods of dryness, though they prefer consistently moist soil.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Japanese camellia can be used in multiple landscape designs, including hedges, foundation plantings, or as specimen plants.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, contributing to the local ecosystem's health.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Camellia japonica 'Akashigata' leaves can be used in the art of Kokedama, where the plant's roots are wrapped in moss and suspended, creating a unique and natural decorative piece.
- The petals of the Japanese camellia are sometimes used in crafting high-quality, natural dyes for textiles, giving fabrics a delicate pink hue.
- Fallen blossoms of Japanese camellia can serve as a natural mulch for garden beds, providing nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
- The sturdy and glossy leaves of Japanese camellia can be simmered down to create a fragrant, botanical water for use in aromatherapy or room refreshers.
- Japanese camellia woods, being hard and durable, are sometimes used in the creation of traditional Japanese woodcrafts and fine woodworking.
- Pressed Japanese camellia flowers can be incorporated into papermaking, adding unique floral patterns to handmade papers.
- Japanese camellia's thick foliage makes it an excellent choice for creating living privacy screens or hedges in gardens and landscapes.
- Camellia japonica 'Akashigata' can be trained into espalier forms on walls or fences, serving as both decorative art and space-saving vertical gardening.
- The plant's waxy leaves and striking flowers make it ideal for inclusion in ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging.
- Japanese camellia is an excellent candidate for bonsai, with the ability to form attractive shapes through careful pruning and training.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Camellia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Camellia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Admiration: The camellia is often associated with deep admiration and esteem. Presenting a camellia can be a way to express one's fascination or high regard for someone else.
- Perfection: With its delicate and perfectly formed petals, camellias represent the ideal of beauty or perfection, making it a suitable gift for someone who is viewed as flawless.
- Love: Camellias can symbolize different aspects of love. In general, they embody the sentiment of longing and desire, and can represent the longing of someone who is absent.
- Affection: Especially the pink varieties of camellias signify longing, and when given, they can convey the giver's yearning to be with the recipient.
- Longevity: As camellias are evergreen plants that can live for many years, they are sometimes associated with the idea of longevity and enduring life.
WaterThe Camellia, commonly referred to as Japanese Camellia, prefers evenly moist but well-draining soil, never allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing enough water to soak the root zone, which translates roughly to about 1-2 gallons depending on the size and maturity of the plant. During the growing season in spring and summer, you may need to water more frequently, especially in hot, dry weather. However, reduce watering in the fall and further in winter when the plant is not actively growing. Monitor the soil moisture and adjust the watering accordingly to ensure the plant stays hydrated without becoming waterlogged.
LightJapanese Camellias thrive best in partial shade where they can receive filtered sunlight or morning sun with protection from harsh afternoon rays. Positioning them in a north-facing or east-facing location is ideal to provide the gentle light conditions they prefer. Avoid full sunlight exposure, as this can lead to leaf scorch, especially in warmer climates.
TemperatureJapanese Camellias are hardy in USDA zones 7-9 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. The ideal temperature range for thriving Camellias is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can cause stress to the plant.
PruningPrune Japanese Camellias after blooming to shape the plant and remove any dead or weak wood. Pruning helps improve air circulation and allows sunlight to reach inner branches, which is especially important for maintaining plant health and encouraging vigorous growth. The best time for pruning is mid-spring, immediately after flowering has ceased. Prune selectively rather than shearing, to maintain the plant's natural form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Japanese Camellia, prepare a soil mix with well-draining acidic soil, peat moss, pine bark, and perlite in equal parts. The ideal soil pH for Japanese Camellia is between 5.5 to 6.5.
RepottingJapanese Camellias should be repotted every 2-3 years, preferably in spring before the new growth starts. This helps to refresh the soil and ensure continued health.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Camellia thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%. Avoid placing in overly dry environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and high humidity for Japanese Camellia.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with shelter from strong winds for Japanese Camellia.
Hardiness zone
Japanese Camellia is suitable for 7-9 USDA zones.
Life cycleCamellia japonica 'Akashigata', commonly known as Japanese Camellia 'Akashigata', begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination develops into a seedling with a primary root and embryonic leaves. As it matures, the seedling grows into a young plant with a woody stem and true leaves, entering the vegetative stage where it focuses on growth and energy accumulation. The Japanese Camellia 'Akashigata' reaches maturity within a few years, developing buds that blossom into large, showy flowers, typically pink with a distinctive pattern, signifying the reproductive stage which usually occurs in late winter to early spring. Pollination by insects enables the formation of fruit, which contains seeds, thus completing the cycle. As a perennial, this plant will enter a period of dormancy during colder months, conserving energy for the next growing season. Throughout its life, which can span many decades, the Camellia repeats this cycle, producing new flowers and seeds annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Camellia japonica 'Akashigata', commonly known as the Japanese Camellia, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This popular method involves taking cuttings from new growth that has begun to mature and harden. The best time to take these cuttings is in late summer to early fall. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long with several sets of leaves, which must be trimmed to reduce moisture loss. The cut end of the cutting is then dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a mix of peat and perlite. The cuttings need to be kept under high humidity and indirect light until they root, which usually takes several weeks to a few months. It is essential to maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil, but not oversaturated, to ensure successful rooting.
