Rosthorn's Camellia Camellia rosthorniana 'Elina' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Camellia 'Elina' is a beautiful ornamental plant that stands out because of its stunning flowers. This variety showcases elegant blooms that are typically a dazzling shade of pink, which can sometimes vary into lighter or deeper tones of the color, providing a captivating visual display. Each flower of the Camellia 'Elina' is composed of numerous petals that are orderly arranged, creating a rather formal and sophisticated look. The petals possess a soft, velvety texture which further enhances the flower’s luxurious appearance. The foliage of the Camellia 'Elina' is also noteworthy. The leaves are glossy and rich green, offering a lush backdrop for the exquisite flowers. This deep greenery is evergreen, providing year-round color and interest to gardens or landscapes. The leaves are typically oval-shaped and may have a slightly serrated edge, which adds texture to the plant's overall look. The Camellia 'Elina' typically blooms in the cooler seasons, providing a splash of color when many other plants are dormant. The contrast of the rich green leaves and the vibrant pink flowers makes this plant a standout in any setting where it is grown. It is well-loved for both its aesthetic appeal and the fact that it adds life to gardens during the quieter months of the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Theaceae.
Synonyms
Elina Camellia, Rosthorn Camellia.
Common names
Camellia rosthorniana 'Elina' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Camellia plants, in general, are not considered toxic to humans. If ingested, Camellia rosthorniana 'Elina', commonly known as camellia, does not pose a significant risk of poisoning. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting camellias, and they are not listed as toxic to humans by major health organizations.
To pets
Camellia plants, including Camellia rosthorniana 'Elina', commonly known as camellia, are generally not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The ASPCA lists camellias as non-toxic to pets, indicating that ingestion is not expected to lead to poisoning. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals due to the novelty and fiber content.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Camellia rosthorniana 'Elina' is known for its beautiful, large flowers that add aesthetic appeal to any garden or landscape.
- Long Blooming Season: It typically has a longer blooming period compared to other shrubs, providing color and interest throughout the season.
- Evergreen Foliage: As an evergreen plant, it maintains its glossy, green leaves year-round, offering continuous greenery even in winter.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring less water and maintenance than other plants.
- Shade Tolerance: Capable of growing in partial shade, it offers versatility in garden design and can be planted in areas with varying light conditions.
- Cold Resistance: Cold-hardy in appropriate climates, it can withstand cooler temperatures without significant damage.
- Minimal Pest and Disease Problems: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be used for various landscaping purposes, including as a specimen plant, in borders, or as part of a foundation planting scheme.
- Privacy and Screening: With its dense growth habit, it can provide privacy and screen unsightly views when planted in groups.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Given its unique and delicate forms, Camellia can serve as a source of inspiration for artists, painters, and photographers who may capture its beauty in their works.
- Craft Applications: The petals of Camellia can be used in crafting, such as in making handmade paper or embedding within translucent candles for decoration.
- Culinary Decoration: Edible varieties of Camellia petals can be crystallized with sugar and used to adorn cakes and desserts for an elegant touch.
- Tea Ceremony Accent: In cultures that practice tea ceremonies, branches and flowers of Camellia can be used to complement the aesthetics of the ceremony setting.
- Botanical Dyes: The petals of the Camellia can be used to produce natural dyes for fabric, wool, or paper, creating subtle colors and eco-friendly textiles.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used in formal and informal educational settings to teach botany, especially about flowering plants and pollination mechanisms.
- Wedding Decor: Camellia flowers and leaves can be incorporated into wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and venue decorations for their classic beauty and romantic appeal.
- Perfumery: Though not a common use, some species of Camellia may have scented blooms that can be used as a natural source of fragrance for homemade perfumes.
- Fragrance Sachets: Dried Camellia petals can be added to small sachets to create natural air fresheners for drawers, closets, and small rooms.
- Feng Shui: In the practice of Feng Shui, Camellia can be placed in particular areas of a home or garden to encourage positive energy flow according to its symbolic significance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Camellia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Camellia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adoration and Devotion: The camellia flower often symbolizes adoration and deep devotion, as it is a flower that blooms with intense and vibrant colors, much like the feelings of a person who is deeply in love or committed.
- Perfection and Excellence: Known for its perfect, delicate form, the camellia represents the pursuit of perfection and excellence, mirroring how some cultures strive for utmost beauty and performance in their endeavors.
- Longevity and Faithfulness: Due to its long blooming season, the camellia is a symbol of longevity and faithfulness, representing the enduring nature of love or a deep commitment that stands the test of time.
WaterThe Camellia, specifically Camellia rosthorniana 'Elina', should be watered deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once a week. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent petal blight. Use a soaker hose or water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry, which can help avoid disease. During the growing season, Camellias may require more frequent watering, potentially twice a week, especially if the weather is particularly dry or hot. As a general guide, apply about one to one and a half gallons per watering session to ensure the soil is moistened to a depth of 8 to 10 inches.
LightThe ideal light conditions for the Camellia involve bright, indirect light or partial shade, as direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, can lead to leaf scorch. The best spot for a Camellia is one where it is protected from the early afternoon sun yet receives enough morning light. An eastern exposure that provides morning sunlight with dappled afternoon shade is often perfect for maintaining vibrant foliage and encouraging blooms.
TemperatureCamellias, including Camellia rosthorniana 'Elina', thrive best in a temperature range of 45°F to 85°F. They can tolerate minimum temperatures of around 20°F once established, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing can damage the plant. The ideal conditions for a Camellia would be a consistently temperate climate where extreme heat or cold is uncommon, as extreme temperature fluctuations can stress the plant.
PruningPrune the Camellia, such as Camellia rosthorniana 'Elina', to maintain its shape, remove any dead or weak wood, and promote healthy growth and air circulation. The best time to prune is right after the blooms have faded in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Pruning should be done sparingly, focusing on thinning out crowded branches, and it's often sufficient to prune every two to three years unless shaping is needed more often.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for the Camellia should be well-draining, rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. A blend of 2 parts peat moss to 1 part perlite or pine bark fines works well for Camellias.
RepottingCamellias should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when they become root bound. Spring, just after flowering, is the best time for repotting Camellias.
Humidity & MistingCamellias benefit from moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 50-60%. They appreciate a humid environment but do not tolerate wet foliage well.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain humidity.
Outdoor
Shelter from direct sun; protect in cold, well-drained spot.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA.
Life cycle'Elina' Camellia, commonly known as Camellia rosthorniana 'Elina', begins its life cycle with seed germination, which is generally slow and variable, often taking several weeks to months. After germination, the seedling stage is characterized by the development of the first true leaves and a gradual establishment of the root system. The vegetative growth phase follows, where the 'Elina' Camellia focuses energy on producing foliage and branching, creating a bushy structure over several years. This period also includes the development of the plant's woody stems and the formation of buds. With maturity, the 'Elina' Camellia enters the flowering stage, typically producing elaborate pink blooms with a profusion of petals, usually in late winter to early spring. After pollination and fertilization, the plant develops seed pods, which upon maturing, release seeds to complete the life cycle, while the parent plant continues to grow and can enter the reproductive phase annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The popular method for propagating Camellia rosthorniana 'Elina' (PBR), commonly known as the Camellia, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. The optimal time to take cuttings is typically during the late summer when the new growth has begun to harden. The procedure involves selecting healthy, semi-hardwood stems and making cuttings about 4 to 6 inches long, ensuring at least two sets of leaves remain on the cutting. The lower leaves are removed, and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining rooting medium. It is important to maintain high humidity around the cutting, which can be accomplished by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. The pot should be kept under indirect light and at a consistent temperature, around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius), until the cutting has rooted, which can take a few months. Regular misting helps keep the humidity high but care must be taken to prevent rot by ensuring the medium is not too wet.
