Japanese Camellia Camellia japonica 'Berenice Boddy'
ABOUT
The Camellia japonica 'Berenice Boddy' is a beautiful flowering plant that is widely admired for its ornamental qualities. This variety showcases semi-double to peony-form flowers that are a soft shell pink, often with a deeper pink tone at the edges of the petals, creating a delicate two-tone effect. The blooms are sizable and make a stunning contrast against the dark green, glossy leaves. As a type of camellia, 'Berenice Boddy' blooms in the cooler months, adding color to gardens when many other plants are dormant. This particular camellia boasts a lovely, symmetrical growth habit with foliage that remains attractive throughout the year, making it an appealing choice for gardeners seeking to add lasting beauty to their landscapes. The plant exudes an overall sense of elegance and, when in full bloom, can become a centerpiece in a garden display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Theaceae.
Synonyms
Japanese Camellia, Rose Of Winter, Camellia.
Common names
Camellia japonica 'Berenice Boddy'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Camellia japonica, commonly known as the Japanese camellia, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of poisoning or adverse reactions from ingesting this plant. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption, and individual allergies or sensitivities could cause mild stomach upset or other reactions in some people.
To pets
The Japanese camellia is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among the commonly recognized poisonous plants for dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. However, ingestion of large amounts of plant material could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset or an intestinal blockage due to the physical properties of the plant matter rather than chemical toxicity. Symptoms of such digestive discomfort may include vomiting, diarrhea, or a lack of appetite, but significant toxicity is not expected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
5-10 feet (1.5-3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Camellia japonica 'Berenice Boddy,' commonly known as camellia, has large, attractive flowers that enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Evergreen Foliage: The camellia maintains its glossy green leaves throughout the year, providing a constant backdrop of greenery in the garden.
- Variety of Colors: The blooms come in a range of colors including shades of pink, red, and white, which can complement different color schemes in a garden setting.
- Long Blooming Season: Camellias typically have a long flowering period during the fall, winter, or early spring, depending on the climate, offering color when few other plants are in bloom.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, camellias can be relatively drought tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Shade Tolerance: They are well-suited for shaded areas where other sun-loving plants might not thrive.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators to the garden, such as bees, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Versatility: Camellias can be used in various landscape designs, including as specimen plants, hedges, or container plants.
- Low Maintenance: They generally require minimal pruning and care once established, making them an easy choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Cultural Significance: Camellias have been cultivated for centuries, especially in East Asia, and are often associated with elegance and beauty.
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 'Berenice Boddy' can be used for bonsai cultivation. This practice, which originated in Japan, involves growing miniature trees and is a form of living art.
- The waxy petals of Camellia japonica can serve as temporary adornments for hairstyles, adding natural elegance to bridal updos or special event looks.
- These flowers can be floated in bowls of water to create simple, yet chic centerpieces for tables at events or as part of home decor.
- Camellia japonica leaves can be polished and used in floral arrangements to provide glossy, dark green backdrops that enhance the appearance of lighter flowers.
- The petals of the Camellia japonica 'Berenice Boddy' are sometimes used in crafting, pressed and incorporated into homemade paper or bookmarks for a touch of natural beauty.
- Camellia japonica wood is hard and can be carved into small objects like buttons or jewelry, offering a unique material for artisans.
- Ink made from the petals of Camellias can be used in traditional painting, particularly in East Asia, to add a subtle color and texture to artworks.
- Camellia japonica blossoms are used in parades and festivals, especially in regions where they are native, for decoration on floats or in hairpieces for performers.
- The flowers can be used in perfumery, as their delicate scent can be captured in a fragrance that is both subtle and long-lasting.
- Camellia japonica 'Berenice Boddy' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yielding soft, often pastel colors that are prized in certain artisanal textile crafts.
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: Camellia japonica 'Berenice Boddy', commonly known as the Camellia, often symbolizes deep admiration, making it a perfect gift to show respect and esteem for someone you look up to.
- Perfection: The beautiful, flawless blossoms of the Camellia represent the idea of perfection or the quest for excellence, often used in ceremonies or as gifts to convey the message of high regard for someone's achievements.
- Longevity and Faithful Love: In many Eastern cultures, Camellias are seen as a symbol of long-lasting devotion and fidelity, making them popular in weddings and anniversaries to signify enduring love.
- Refinement: The sophisticated elegance of the Camellia flower is often associated with refined beauty and cultivated grace, especially in social or artistic contexts where polish and finesse are valued.
WaterJapanese Camellia 'Berenice Boddy' should be watered deeply and thoroughly, ensuring the water reaches the root zone without causing waterlogging. The frequency of watering depends on the soil's moisture level; it often requires watering every 7 to 10 days during the growing season, with a reduction in frequency during the cooler months. It is crucial to offer about 1 gallon of water for smaller shrubs and up to 2.5 gallons for larger plants each time you water. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
LightJapanese Camellia 'Berenice Boddy' thrives in partial shade, with filtered sunlight being ideal for protecting the leaves and blooms from scorch. Avoid placing the plant in full, direct sun, which can cause leaf burn. An eastern or northern exposure that receives morning light or dappled sunlight throughout the day is optimal for its growth.
TemperatureJapanese Camellia 'Berenice Boddy' prefers a temperature range of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit without significant damage. The ideal growing temperature should be between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler at night for optimal bloom and health.
PruningPrune Japanese Camellia 'Berenice Boddy' to maintain shape, remove dead or crossing branches, and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune is just after the blooming period in spring, minimizing the impact on next year’s blooms. Pruning every year or every other year is generally sufficient, focusing on thinning out crowded areas to improve airflow and light penetration.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCamellia japonica 'Berenice Boddy', commonly known as Camellia, thrives in well-draining, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 bark, and 1/3 coarse sand or perlite is ideal for ensuring proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingCamellias should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when they outgrow their current pot. Camellia 'Berenice Boddy' should be repotted in spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingCamellia 'Berenice Boddy' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-80%. Ensure consistent humidity by using a humidifier or placing a water tray near the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep at consistent temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with shelter from strong wind.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Japanese camellia 'Berenice Boddy' begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate, usually in the spring after the last frost, developing into small seedlings. As they mature, they develop into shrubs with glossy, evergreen leaves and begin to form flower buds in the late summer to autumn. The buds bloom in the late winter to early spring, showcasing large, pink flowers that can attract pollinators, though camellias are often propagated through cuttings rather than seeds for consistency. After pollination, seed pods may form, taking several months to ripen before they can be harvested for propagation. Throughout the year, the shrub continues to grow, requiring pruning to maintain shape and health. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in the colder months, conserving energy for the next cycle of growth and blooming.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Camellia japonica 'Berenice Boddy', commonly known as the Japanese Camellia, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process is best done in late summer or early fall. To propagate, one should take a 4 to 6-inch long cutting from a healthy, disease-free parent plant, making sure that it includes at least two or three sets of leaves. The bottom inch of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Then, the cutting should be planted in a mixture of peat and perlite, ensuring the leaf nodes where root emergence is expected are in contact with the medium. The planted cutting must be kept in a humid environment with consistent moisture and indirect light until roots develop, which typically takes several weeks to a few months.
