Williamsii Camellia Camellia × williamsii 'Clarrie Fawcett'
ABOUT
Camellia 'Clarrie Fawcett' is an ornamental shrub with a lush, evergreen presence, known for its stunning floral display. It boasts glossy, dark green leaves that provide a year-round backdrop of rich foliage. The blooms are particularly striking, featuring large, peony-like flowers with a sumptuous display of ruffled petals that can vary in hues from palest pink to deeper shades, often with a hint of creamy ivory or a blush of shell pink towards the petal edges. The flowers, which can command attention in any setting, usually appear in the cooler months, giving a splash of color when the rest of the garden may be more subdued. Each flower has a central group of golden stamens, which add a contrast to the soft petal colors, drawing in the eyes of onlookers and pollinators alike. The overall appearance of the Camellia 'Clarrie Fawcett' is one of classic beauty, with its opulent flowers bringing a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Theaceae
Synonyms
Williams' Camellia, Clarrie Fawcett Camellia
Common names
Camellia × williamsii 'Clarrie Fawcett'.
ToxicityTo humans
Camellia × williamsii 'Clarrie Fawcett', more commonly known as a hybrid Camellia, is not known to be toxic to humans. In general, Camellia species are considered to have a low level of toxicity and do not usually cause severe symptoms if ingested. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities are possible, and it is always best to avoid ingesting plant material unless it is known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
The hybrid Camellia, like Camellia × williamsii 'Clarrie Fawcett', is also not considered to be highly toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. These plants are usually safe in gardens where pets may be present. However, ingestion of large quantities of plant material, especially leaves or flowers, might lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals, so it's still prudent to prevent pets from chewing on the plant. If any signs of distress are observed after ingestion, contacting a veterinarian would be advisable.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7-9
Native area
Japan China
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Camellia × williamsii 'Clarrie Fawcett' produces vibrant, pink flowers that enhance the visual beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Year-Round Interest: With evergreen foliage and a flowering season that extends from late winter to early spring, it offers interest throughout the year.
- Ease of Cultivation: Known for being hardy and relatively easy to grow, this variety can thrive in a range of garden conditions with appropriate care.
- Habitat Support: Its flowers provide a valuable source of nectar for pollinators such as bees during times when few other plants are in bloom.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in a variety of ways in landscapes, including as specimen plants, in shrub borders, or even in containers for patios and terraces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Camellia × williamsii 'Clarrie Fawcett', commonly known as the Williamsii camellia, can be used for floral arrangements. Its flowers are often cut and displayed due to their beauty and longevity.
- As a symbol in wedding bouquets, it represents the longevity and fidelity of the relationship, echoing the resilience of the blooms.
- In photography, the Williamsii camellia's vivid flowers make it an ideal subject for botanical photography and can be used in workshops to teach macro photography techniques.
- In art, they are often used as a motif in still life paintings, providing inspiration for artists with their striking colors and forms.
- Creative crafting includes using dried petals for making homemade potpourri or pressed flower art, taking advantage of their vibrant color and shape.
- The Williamsii camellia can be applied in textile design, where its patterns and colors inspire fabrics for fashion and home decor.
- In culinary uses, although not typical for this variety, the petals may be crystallized and used as decorative edible elements on cakes and desserts.
- This plant's dense foliage is suitable for topiary art in gardens, often shaped into various forms for ornamental purposes.
- In cultural ceremonies, certain cultures may utilize the blooms in celebrations as symbols of love or seasonal change.
- As a tool in education, this camellia variety is often used in horticultural courses to teach plant hybridization, care, and pruning techniques.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCamellia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCamellia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adoration: The Camellia generally symbolizes adoring or being adored by someone due to its beautiful and exquisite blossoms.
- Perfection: With its perfect form and texture, it often represents the ideal of perfection and excellence.
- Longevity and Gratitude: Camellias can live for many years, and thus they can symbolize the wish for a long life or express gratitude.
- Love and Affection: Given its rich and lush appearance, the Camellia flower is often associated with love, affection, and the heart's desires.
- Refinement: The Camellia’s elegant appearance signifies refinement and is thought to be representative of a well-bred lady in some cultures.
WaterWilliamsii Camellias require consistent moisture, especially during their growing season in the spring and the fall. They should be watered deeply and thoroughly once a week, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not saturated. During hotter and drier spells, they may require more frequent watering, such as twice a week. It is important to reduce watering in the winter when the plant is not actively growing. As a guideline, use about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per week for a medium-sized shrub, adjusting for rainfall and temperature conditions.
LightWilliamsii Camellias thrive best in partial shade where they receive dappled sunlight or light shade for most of the day. They can tolerate morning sun followed by afternoon shade or a spot that receives filtered light under a canopy of trees. Avoid planting them in full sun or deep shade to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureWilliamsii Camellias prefer moderate temperatures and are hardy in a range between 20 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate short periods of colder temperatures down to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit but may experience damage at these extremes. Ideal growing temperatures for these camellias fall between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which encourages optimal growth and flowering.
PruningPrune Williamsii Camellias to maintain shape, remove dead or weak wood, and promote airflow within the canopy. The best time to prune is right after they finish flowering, typically in late winter or early spring. It's not necessary to prune annually; you can do so every two to three years or as needed to control size. Always use clean, sharp pruning tools to make precise cuts just above an outward-facing bud or leaf node.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWilliamsii camellias thrive in acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The best soil mix is a well-draining one that is rich in organic matter. A blend of 1/3 peat, 1/3 pine bark, and 1/3 coarse sand or perlite is ideal. Remember to mulch the surface to help retain moisture and protect the roots.
RepottingWilliamsii camellias typically require repotting every 2-3 years. Younger plants may grow quicker and, therefore, might need repotting annually. Choose a slightly larger pot and fresh acidic soil mix when repotting to encourage continued growth.
Humidity & MistingWilliamsii camellias prefer a moderately high humidity environment, around 40-60%. Maintaining this level will support their lush foliage and flower production, especially important during indoor winter months when household air tends to be drier.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light, acidic soil, consistent moisture.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from strong winds, mulch well.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Camellia × williamsii 'Clarrie Fawcett' begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when planted in well-draining, acidic soil and kept at a consistent moisture level, will germinate and develop into a seedling. As the seedling matures, it enters the vegetative stage, characterized by the growth of glossy, evergreen leaves and a woody stem. After a few years, once the plant has established, it will begin to produce flower buds in late summer or autumn, which remain dormant over winter. In late winter to early spring, 'Clarrie Fawcett' reaches the flowering stage, displaying showy, pink, semi-double blossoms that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the plant may develop seed pods, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, after the flowering season, the plant will continue to grow and will enter a period of dormancy in colder months, resuming growth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Camellia × williamsii 'Clarrie Fawcett', commonly known as the Clarrie Fawcett camellia, is most effectively propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is popular due to its high success rate and the capacity to produce plants identical to the parent. Ideally, the cuttings should be taken in late summer, when the current season's growth has begun to mature. Cuttings about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long with several leaves are selected. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped into a rooting hormone to facilitate root development. Then, the prepared cutting is inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, such as a combination of peat and perlite. A humid environment, consistent moisture, and warmth are maintained to encourage rooting. It usually takes several weeks for the cutting to establish a healthy root system.
