Camellia Camellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks' (japonica × reticulata)
ABOUT
The Camellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks' is a stunning ornamental plant that boasts large, breathtaking blooms which can create a striking visual display in a garden. The flowers of this Camellia are the most prominent feature, characterized by a rich, deep red color that can range from a fiery red to almost crimson. They have a peony-like form, which means that the petals are numerous and can be both ruffled and layered, providing a very full and lush appearance. Each flower is substantial in size, significantly larger than the flowers of more common camellias, offering a showy spectacle when they are in full bloom. The foliage of the Camellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks' is also notable, with leaves that are glossy, deep green, and have a leathery texture. They provide a year-round evergreen backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the flamboyance of the flowers. These leaves are typically elliptical with serrated edges and come to a sharp point. The plant itself has a bushy growth habit, with a dense and lush appearance that makes it an excellent choice for creating a visual screen or as a focal point in a landscape. The combination of the striking blooms and the lush greenery of the Camellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks' makes it a favorite among gardeners who wish to add a splash of color and elegance to their outdoor spaces. Its luxurious appearance is reminiscent of the more exotic members of the plant world, and it can serve as a captivating addition to any temperate garden that can accommodate its growing requirements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Theaceae.
Synonyms
Doctor Clifford Parks Camellia, Camellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks'.
Common names
Camellia japonica × Camellia reticulata
ToxicityTo humans
Camellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks', commonly known as simply Camellia, is not considered toxic to humans. Generally, ingesting this plant does not cause poisoning or adverse effects.
To pets
Camellia, the plant in question, is also not considered toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of this plant typically does not result in poisoning or serious health issues for animals such as cats and dogs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark green
Flower color
Red
Height
10-15 feet (3-4.6 meters)
Spread
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7-9
Native area
Japan China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Camellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks' is known for its large, vividly colored flowers that add aesthetic beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Long Blooming Season: This camellia typically has a long blooming period, which can last from late winter through spring, providing color when many other plants are dormant.
- Evergreen Foliage: The plant maintains its glossy green leaves year-round, offering continuous greenery even when not in bloom.
- Shade Tolerance: It can thrive in partial shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or areas with filtered light.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it has a degree of drought tolerance, though it prefers consistently moist soil.
- Versatility: It can be used in various landscape designs, including as a specimen plant, in shaded borders, or as part of a foundation planting.
- Wildlife Attraction: Its flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, and the dense foliage can provide shelter for birds and other wildlife.
- Low Maintenance: It generally requires minimal pruning and care once established, as long as it is planted in a suitable environment.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Camellia's waxy petals can be used in the crafting of delicate, natural jewelry such as earrings and pendants, often preserved in resin.
- The fallen petals can serve as a vibrant, natural confetti for weddings and celebrations, adding an organic and biodegradable element to the festivities.
- Camellia blooms can be floated in bowls of water to create simple yet elegant centerpieces for tables at events or home decor.
- Dried Camellia petals are sometimes used in potpourri mixes, adding color and a subtle fragrance to a room.
- The thick foliage of the Camellia can be trimmed and shaped into topiary forms for ornamental garden displays or living sculptures.
- Camellia wood, being dense and hard, can be used in the crafting of small woodworking projects like handles for tools or instruments.
- The plant's leaves can be used in the creation of natural dyes, providing a greenish pigment when used on fabrics and materials.
- Camellia petals and buds can be incorporated into artistic works, such as pressed flower art or inclusion in handmade paper for a textured and visual effect.
- With its dense growth habit, the Camellia can be planted as a privacy screen or hedge in residential gardens, offering seclusion throughout the year.
- The Camellia's symmetrical shape and attractive foliage make it suitable for use in bonsai, the Japanese art of miniature tree cultivation.
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: Camellias often symbolize deep admiration for someone, as the beauty and perfection of the bloom can reflect the viewer's feelings towards another person.
- Perfection: With its flawless form and symmetry, the camellia can represent the ideal of perfection, or the quest for it.
- Longevity and faithfulness: The camellia's ability to bloom through the colder months can symbolize the enduring nature of love or the longevity of a relationship.
- Refinement: Camellias have been associated with the refined beauty and manners of the upper class, particularly in cultures where they have been cultivated and appreciated for generations, such as in Japan.
WaterCamellias, including Camellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks', should be watered deeply to encourage deep root growth. They need regular watering, especially during dry spells, approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per week for established plants. Newly planted camellias may require more frequent watering, such as 1 gallon every 3-4 days, to establish their root systems. Avoid overwatering as it may lead to root rot; ensure the soil is well-draining. During the winter months, reduce watering since the plant will be dormant and won't require as much moisture.
LightCamellias thrive in partial shade with filtered sunlight; direct afternoon sun can be detrimental to their foliage and flowers. The best spot would be under the light canopy of tall trees or on the north or east side of a building, where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Avoid exposing Camellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks' to full, intense sun as it can cause leaf scorch and bud drop.
TemperatureCamellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks' prefers a temperature range between 45°F and 70°F for optimal growth. It can withstand brief periods of colder temperatures down to around 20°F but should be protected from prolonged exposure to freezing conditions. Ideal growing conditions involve cool nights and mild daytime temperatures; extreme heat above 85°F can also stress the plant.
PruningPrune Camellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks' to shape the plant, remove dead or weak branches, and enhance airflow which reduces the risk of disease. The best time to prune is after the flowers have faded but before the new vegetative growth cycle begins in spring. Light pruning can be done annually, while more extensive reshaping should be done less frequently, as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCamellias thrive in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. A mix of 2 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite, and 1 part organic compost is ideal to provide the necessary drainage and aeration.
RepottingCamellias, generally, are repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and prevent root-bound conditions. Camellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks' should adhere to this schedule.
Humidity & MistingCamellias prefer a humidity range of 40-60%. The Camellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks' will benefit from increased humidity, particularly during the dry, indoor heating season.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Camellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks' near bright, filtered light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, sheltered from strong winds, with acidic, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Camellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks', commonly known as the Camellia, begins with germination, where the seed sprouts and develops a root system and small shoots in suitable environmental conditions. In the juvenile phase, the plant grows rapidly, establishing a larger root system, foliage, and stems but does not yet flower. Transitioning to the adult vegetative stage, the Camellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks' matures and produces dark green, glossy leaves and begins to form flower buds. The reproductive stage follows, where the plant blooms, typically from winter to spring, displaying large, showy flowers that can be red, pink, or variegated. After pollination, seeds are produced and, once mature, are dispersed, allowing for the potential of new plants to begin the cycle again. Finally, the plant enters a period of senescence as it ages, where growth slows, and it eventually dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Early Spring
Camellia 'Doctor Clifford Parks' is a favored decorative plant widely appreciated for its vibrant flowers and versatile growing habits. The best time for propagation of the 'Doctor Clifford Parks' camellia, a hybrid between Camellia japonica and Camellia reticulata, is typically in late summer to early autumn, when the plant is no longer actively blooming and the temperatures are still warm enough to encourage root growth. Among the various propagation methods available for camellias, the most popular and widely used method is semi-hardwood cuttings. This involves taking a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) from the current year's growth, ensuring that the wood is partially matured but still flexible. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone before being placed in a potting mixture of peat and perlite under conditions of high humidity and indirect light. With proper care, roots will develop within a few weeks, although it may take longer for the cuttings to be ready for transplanting into the garden.
