Williamsii Camellia Camellia × williamsii 'Rose Parade'

Water

The Williamsii Camellia, or 'Rose Parade', prefers consistent moisture and should be watered deeply once a week, especially during dry periods. It is important to avoid overhead watering to prevent petal blight, and instead water at the base of the plant. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Depending on the climate and the size of the plant, usually around 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per week will suffice. During the warmer months, increase the frequency of watering to maintain soil moisture levels.

Light

The Williamsii Camellia thrives best in partial shade to filtered sunlight conditions. It should be placed in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade to protect it from the intense midday heat. Direct, hot sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch and should be avoided.

Temperature

The Williamsii Camellia is comfortable in temperatures ranging from 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand brief periods outside this range but prefers not to be subjected to temperatures below freezing or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth and flowering is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning the Williamsii Camellia is essential to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and enhance flowering. It should be pruned immediately after blooming has finished, typically in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Remove any dead or weak branches, and thin out dense areas to allow light and air to reach the inner parts of the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Williamsii Camellia prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil with pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A recommended soil mix would be one part peat moss, one part perlite, and one part loamy garden soil to ensure adequate drainage and aeration while providing some organic matter and moisture retention.

Repotting

The Williamsii Camellia should be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure it is not root-bound. Younger plants may require more frequent repotting, while established, larger specimens can be repotted less often.

Humidity & Misting

Williamsii Camellias thrive in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 50-60%. They benefit from a humid environment but should not be subjected to prolonged wetness which can lead to fungal issues.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light; keep humid and water with soft water.

• Outdoor

  Plant in dappled shade with shelter from strong winds; mulch well.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Camellia x williamsii 'Rose Parade', commonly known as Rose Parade Camellia, begins its life cycle as a seed, developing within the spent flower's ovary until it matures and falls to the ground or is collected for propagation. After germination, which requires a warm, moist environment, the seedling emerges, developing into a young plant with a set of true leaves, establishing its root system. Gradually, the young Rose Parade Camellia enters a vegetative state, characterized by the growth of glossy, evergreen leaves and a woody stem, over several years. The plant will reach maturity and start its initial blooming phase, usually within a few years, producing the signature large, rose-pink, semi-double flowers for which it is named. The blooming season for the Rose Parade Camellia typically occurs in winter to spring, after which the pollinated flowers will develop into seed pods if conditions allow. Finally, the mature plant enters a period of annual growth and blooms, which can span for decades with proper care, until it eventually senesces and dies.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Camellia × williamsii 'Rose Parade', commonly known as Rose Parade Camellia, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process is typically done in late summer to early fall. To propagate, one should select healthy semi-hardwood stems from the current year’s growth and cut a piece about 4 to 6 inches long. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a humid environment with indirect light until roots have established, which usually takes several weeks. It is important to maintain even moisture during this time, but avoid waterlogging which can lead to rot. Once rooted, the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and eventually planted out in the garden.