Japonica Camellias: Season-Long Blooms and Elegant Forms

Camellia japonica blooms in waves: early varieties (Oct–Nov), midseason (Jan–Feb), late (Mar; winter–May in cold climates). Flowers 2–6 inches across.

Specimen Plants

Lush foliage makes striking background for borders; most grow 6–12 ft. Favorites: Early-mid: 'Debutante' (light pink peony), 'Nuccio's Gem' (white formal double), 'Silver Waves' (wavy white semidouble). Mid: 'Kramer's Supreme' (red peony). Mid-late: 'Pearl Maxwell' (pink formal double). Late: 'Elena Nobile' (red rose-form double).

Multitrunk Trees

Old upright specimens prune beautifully into multitrunk trees. Identify 3–5 best-positioned main trunks, remove lower trunks and branches to reveal structure.