Japanese Camellia Camellia japonica 'King's Ransom'
ABOUT
Camellia japonica 'King's Ransom' is an ornamental shrub known for its striking flowers and glossy green foliage. The leaves of this variety are ovate, with a slightly serrated edge, and are known for their leathery texture and shiny surface which catches the light, contributing to the plant's overall lustrous appearance. The most captivating aspect of 'King's Ransom' is its beautiful flowers. The blooms are typically large, with numerous petals that can vary in texture from almost waxy to more delicate and fluttery. These petals are often arranged in a peony-like form, giving each flower a full and luxurious appearance. Color-wise, the 'King's Ransom' flowers are prized for their rich coloring, which can range from a deep pink to a more subtle blush, often with shades intermingling within the same bloom. The flowers may also exhibit a luminous quality, with some petals having a slight sheen. The blooms typically appear in late winter to spring, contrasting beautifully against the dark green of the leaves, and transform the plant into a showy display of color and elegance. The overall impression is one of classic beauty and romantic allure, making the Camellia japonica 'King's Ransom' a beloved choice for garden enthusiasts looking to add a touch of sophistication to their plant collections.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Theaceae
Synonyms
Japanese Camellia, Rose of Winter, Tsubaki
Common names
Camellia japonica 'King's Ransom'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica 'King's Ransom') is not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant, such as leaves or flowers. Consequently, no specific symptoms of toxicity are generally associated with this plant for humans.
To pets
The Japanese camellia is also not considered toxic to pets. It is not listed among the commonly known toxic plants for animals like dogs and cats. Ingesting parts of this plant should not result in poisoning or produce any harmful symptoms in pets. As with any non-food item, consuming large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea due to the plant material's physical properties, not its toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Camellia japonica 'King's Ransom' is highly valued for its large, showy flowers that enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Long Blooming Season: It typically has a long flowering season from late winter to early spring, providing color during a time when other plants are dormant.
- Evergreen Foliage: As an evergreen shrub, it maintains its glossy, green leaves throughout the year, offering constant foliage interest.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in various landscape applications, including as specimen plants, in foundation plantings, or as part of a hedge or screen.
- Shade Tolerance: It is tolerant of partial shade, making it suitable for planting under the canopies of larger trees or in shaded garden corners.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for gardens with lower water availability.
- Pollinator Attraction: The blooms can attract pollinators such as bees, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
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: Camellia japonica 'King's Ransom', with its vibrant flowers, often serves as an inspiration for painters and photographers looking for natural beauty to capture in their artwork.
- Specialty Composts: The acidic leaves of the camellia plant can be used to make compost that is more suitable for other acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons and azaleas.
- Educational Tool: Camellias, with their distinct growing needs and blooming patterns, can be used in educational programs to teach about plant biology and botany.
- Mood Enhancer: The bright colors and gentle appearance of the camellia flowers can be used in horticultural therapy to improve mood and reduce stress in settings such as hospitals or senior centers.
- Fabric Dye: Historically, parts of the camellia plant have been used to create dyes for fabrics, producing a range of colors from the petals and leaves.
- Plant Competition: Enthusiasts of camellias often enter their flowers into botanical competitions to showcase their beauty and compete for awards.
- Culinary Decoration: The non-toxic camellia flowers can be used to decorate cakes and desserts for an elegant touch.
- Collector's Specimen: Due to the uniqueness of some camellia varieties, including 'King's Ransom', collectors may grow them as part of a rare plant collection.
- Camellia Oil Production: Although not directly from 'King's Ransom', camellias in general are used to produce tea seed oil (not to be confused with tea tree oil), which is used for cooking and in cosmetics.
- Floral Jewelry: The blossoms of camellia can be carefully preserved and turned into unique pieces of floral jewelry such as pendants and earrings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCamellia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCamellia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Admiration - Camellias are often associated with admiration due to their perfectly formed petals and overall beauty.
- Perfection - The flawless form of the Camellia japonica 'King's Ransom' can symbolize the ideal or perfect beauty.
- Love and Affection - In many cultures, giving a camellia is a way to express love or deep affection for someone.
- Devotion - The enduring nature of the camellia's blooming can represent strong devotion and loyalty.
- Longevity - Camellias have a long blooming season and the plants can live for many years, thus they symbolize longevity and enduring life.
WaterJapanese camellia 'King's Ransom' requires consistent moisture and should be watered deeply to encourage root growth. During the growing season, water this plant once or twice a week, applying about 1-2 gallons of water each time, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. In dry spells, water may be needed more frequently to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Decrease watering in the winter months when the plant is not actively growing, but ensure the root ball does not dry out completely.
LightJapanese camellia 'King's Ransom' prefers bright, indirect light or dappled sunlight. An ideal spot is one that receives morning sunlight and partial shade in the afternoon, as this will protect its delicate flowers and leaves from getting scorched by the harsh afternoon sun. It thrives under the canopy of taller trees where it gets filtered sunlight, which is similar to its native environment in the forest understories.
TemperatureJapanese camellias like 'King's Ransom' enjoy moderate temperatures and can withstand brief periods of cold down to around 20°F. Ideally, they should be kept in temperatures ranging from 40°F to 85°F for optimal growth. Protect them from cold winter drafts and excessive heat to prevent stress, which can lead to bud drop or leaf scorch.
PruningPruning Japanese camellia 'King's Ransom' is necessary to maintain shape, remove dead or weak wood, and encourage healthy growth. The best time for pruning is just after the blooming season has ended, usually in late winter or early spring. Thin out crowded branches annually, and cut back as needed to control the size of the plant, making sure to sterilize your pruning tools to prevent spreading disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Japanese camellia 'King's Ransom' prefers well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. For best results, amend the soil with organic matter like peat moss and pine bark to improve drainage and maintain acidity. A mix of 1/3 sand or perlite, 1/3 peat, and 1/3 organic compost is ideal for this camellia.
RepottingJapanese camellias like 'King's Ransom' should be repotted every 2-3 years. It's important to do it in spring, using an acid-based potting mix, before the onset of the growing season to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingJapanese camellias such as 'King's Ransom' thrive in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-80%. Avoid placing the plant in dry conditions and consider using a humidifier or a pebble tray with water to increase the surrounding humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleCamellia japonica 'King's Ransom', commonly known as Japanese camellia, begins its life as a seed, which once germinated, grows into a small seedling. The seedling then develops into a juvenile plant, exhibiting more vigorous growth and eventually maturing into an adult shrub with glossy, evergreen leaves. In the adult stage, from late winter to early spring, it produces large, ornamental flowers in shades of pink, red, or white, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into dry capsules containing seeds. Once mature, these seeds are dispersed, often by gravity and animal activity, ready to germinate and start a new life cycle. Throughout its life, Camellia japonica requires pruning for shape and to encourage blooming, as well as protection from cold temperatures in some climates.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Camellia japonica 'King's Ransom', commonly known as the Japanese Camellia, is most effectively propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is favored for its relative ease and effectiveness in producing true-to-type plants. The ideal time for taking semi-hardwood cuttings is in late summer, as the new growth begins to harden. With clean, sharp pruners, a cutting about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long is taken, making sure it includes at least two sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagation case to maintain high humidity while roots develop. With appropriate care, roots should form within a few months, after which the new Camellia plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions and eventually moved to its permanent location.
