Camellia Camellia 'Inspiration' (reticulata × saluenensis)
ABOUT
Camellia 'Inspiration' is a striking ornamental plant renowned for its majestic floral display. Boasting a plethora of large, sumptuous blooms, these flowers present a palette of deep pink hues often radiating towards the edges with softer pink tones, creating an enchanting contrast against the lush backdrop of glossy, dark green foliage. Each bloom is a delicate masterpiece, with opulent petals that are both broad and elegantly arranged, enveloping a central core of yellow stamens that add a dash of warmth to the cool richness of the petal colors. The leaves themselves bring year-round appeal to the plant, with their leathery texture and slightly serrated edges. They exude a robust vitality that complements the floral splendor. Despite the absence of size-related metrics, the Camellia 'Inspiration' commands a significant presence wherever it grows, thanks to its dense canopy of foliage and its seasonal symphony of blooms that capture the hearts of gardeners and passersby alike. Throughout the blooming period, the camellia continues to generate buds and flowers, ensuring a prolonged and dynamic display that evolves over the weeks. Each flower, a representation of the name 'Inspiration,' not only brightens the landscape but also inspires creativity and a sense of wonder in the beauty of nature's designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Theaceae
Synonyms
Inspiration Camellia
Common names
Camellia 'Inspiration' (reticulata × saluenensis)
ToxicityTo humans
Camellia hybrids such as the Camellia ‘Inspiration’ are not known to be toxic to humans. They are generally considered safe and do not pose a risk of poisoning if ingested. Therefore, there are no symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant since it is not considered poisonous.
To pets
Camellia hybrids, including the Camellia ‘Inspiration’, are also not known to be toxic to pets. They are generally not harmful to dogs or cats if ingested, so they are not expected to cause poisoning in pets. Consequently, there are no specific symptoms associated with the ingestion of this plant by pets as it is not recognized as being poisonous to them.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 meters)
Spread
5-10 feet (1.5-3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens with its large, showy flowers.
- Landscape Variety: Offers diversity in landscaping due to its unique parentage of Camellia reticulata and Camellia saluenensis.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms during late winter to early spring, providing color when many other plants are dormant.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility: Can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including borders, hedges, and as a specimen plant.
- Privacy Screen: Dense growth can provide privacy in gardens and yards when planted in a row or hedge.
- Suitable for Containers: Can be grown in pots, making it a good option for patios, balconies, and small gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and is relatively pest and disease-resistant, simplifying garden care.
- Long-lived: Camellias are known to be long-lived plants that can provide beauty for many years with proper care.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental Kaleidoscope: Camellia 'Inspiration' petals can be used in crafting a visually stunning kaleidoscope by sealing the colorful petals between glass sheets.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried and crushed petals of the Camellia can serve as a biodegradable alternative to traditional paper or plastic confetti for outdoor celebrations.
- Botanical Dye: The Camellia 'Inspiration' flowers can be boiled to extract natural dyes for fabric or crafting projects, giving a delicate hue to the materials.
- Plant Potpourri: Dried flowers and leaves of the Camellia can be added to potpourri mixtures to impart fragrance and add a touch of color to a room.
- Floral Bookmark: Pressed flowers from the Camellia plant can be used to create unique and decorative bookmarks by laminating them inside thin sheets of transparent plastic.
- Herbarium Collections: Botany enthusiasts can include the Camellia 'Inspiration' in herbarium collections for educational purposes or personal enjoyment of plant diversity.
- Photography Subject: The vivid blooms make for an excellent subject in macro photography, allowing photographers to capture the intricate details and colors of the flowers.
- Garden Mulch: The fallen leaves and petals of the Camellia can be collected and used to mulch garden beds, providing nutrients as they decompose.
- Art Supplies: Petals and leaves can be used as natural elements in art projects, like creating eco-friendly collages or mixed media art pieces.
- Ice Cube Decoration: The striking Camellia blooms can be frozen into ice cubes to add an elegant touch to cold beverages during special events or gatherings.
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: Camellias, in general, are often associated with deep adoration and unwavering devotion, often given as a symbol of someone admiring another person persistently.
- Perfection and excellence: Due to its perfect form and long-lasting blooms, the camellia represents the ideal or excellence, often used to acknowledge someone's flawless qualities.
- Peace and calm: The smoothness of its petals and the soothing colors often represent tranquility, making camellias a symbol for wishing someone peace and calm in their life.
- Longevity and faithfulness: Hardy nature and the ability to bloom for a long time make camellias a symbol of enduring and faithful commitment, whether it be in love or friendship.
WaterCamellia Inspiration requires consistent moisture but dislikes waterlogged conditions. Water it generously when the top inch of soil feels dry, which could mean watering every 5 to 7 days during active growth in spring and summer, and less frequently in winter. Use room-temperature water and aim to provide about 1-2 gallons per week, depending upon the size of the plant and the weather conditions. It's vital to water the plant at its base to keep the foliage dry and to avoid overhead watering which can lead to fungal diseases. During particularly hot or dry spells, increased watering frequency may be necessary to ensure the soil remains moist but not soaked.
LightCamellia Inspiration thrives in partial shade to filtered sunlight. The best spot is where it can receive morning sun and afternoon shade, as intense mid-day sun can burn the delicate leaves. Ensure it is protected from strong, direct sunlight especially during the hottest part of the day which can lead to leaf scorch.
TemperatureCamellia Inspiration prefers a temperature range between 40°F and 85°F. It can tolerate brief periods of colder temperatures down to about 20°F and can survive short spikes above 90°F; however, the ideal temperature range for optimal growth and blooming is between 60°F and 70°F. Sudden temperature fluctuations should be avoided to prevent stress on the plant.
PruningCamellia Inspiration should be pruned to maintain shape, remove dead or weak branches, and encourage airflow within the canopy. Prune just after flowering in spring, as this allows time for new growth that will produce next year's blooms. Thinning out dense inner foliage every 2-3 years will enhance the plant's health and appearance. Major pruning should be done sparingly, as camellias can take several years to recover from severe cuts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Camellia 'Inspiration', a well-draining acidic soil mix is key, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A blend of 2 parts peat moss to 1 part perlite or vermiculite and 1 part pine bark will provide the proper structure and acidity.
RepottingCamellia 'Inspiration' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, preferably in the spring before the onset of new growth.
Humidity & MistingCamellia 'Inspiration' thrives at moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Camellia 'Inspiration', commonly known as a reticulated camellia hybrid, begins its life as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil, typically in partial shade environments. As a juvenile, it grows steadily, developing glossy, evergreen leaves and a woody stem that will become a shrub or small tree over several years. During its maturation phase, typically reached within 2-5 years, it begins to produce large, ornate flowers that are often a soft pink or red, blooming predominantly in the late winter to early spring. The plant reaches full maturity and maintains its size and shape through regular flowering and growth, which can be facilitated by annual pruning to encourage bushiness and flower production. As an adult, it will experience yearly cycles of growth, flowering, and seed production if pollinated. The life span of Camellia 'Inspiration' can be several decades long, with continuous care ensuring its health and vitality.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Camellia 'Inspiration', a hybrid between Camellia reticulata and Camellia saluenensis, is commonly propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is usually carried out during mid-summer to early fall when the plant's new growth has begun to mature and harden slightly. A cutting should be made from new growth that is not too green and succulent, nor too woody. The ideal cutting is typically 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, and includes a few leaves. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end is often treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should be placed in a well-draining propagation medium, such as a mix of perlite and peat moss, and kept consistently moist and in indirect sunlight until roots have established, which can take several weeks to a few months.
