Species

Camellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

23 other cultivars

shrub RHS Award

Kramer's Supreme Camellia

Camellia japonica 'Kramer'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia japonica are broadleaf evergreen shrubs treasured for their exquisite flowers that bloom from winter to spring. Their glossy, dark green leaves provide a handsome backdrop for the showy blossoms.

'Kramer's Supreme' is a celebrated cultivar known for its very large, peony-form, brilliant red flowers with a delightful fragrance. It is a vigorous grower with a beautiful form and exceptionally glossy foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

A magnificent specimen for the winter and spring garden, providing large, fragrant, and showy flowers when the landscape is often bare. The glossy evergreen foliage offers year-round beauty.

Can be used to create a beautiful, dense evergreen hedge or privacy screen. The flowers are excellent for cutting and bringing indoors for arrangements.

While not a major pollinator plant, early-blooming camellias can provide a nectar source for bees and other insects on warm winter days in milder climates.

SpeciesCamellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Very long-lived shrub

Native To

Japan, Korea, China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late winter – Mid-spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Ensure soil is acidic, rich in organic matter, and well-drained.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Plant high, with the top of the root ball slightly above soil level.
Backfill with amended soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch with 2-3 inches of pine bark or compost, away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location protected from harsh winter winds and hot afternoon sun to prevent damage to leaves and flower buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially in summer when buds form.
Mulch annually with acidic materials like pine straw.
Use an acid-forming fertilizer formulated for camellias.
Prune after flowering to shape the plant.

Don't

Do not plant too deep; this is a common cause of failure.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Do not expose to hot, direct afternoon sun.
Avoid cultivating near the shallow root system.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning winter-blooming specimenElegant evergreen screen or hedgeWoodland garden accent

Companion Plants

RhododendronAzalea HelleborusFerns Hydrangea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Kramer's Supreme Camellia questions

What zones can Kramer's Supreme Camellia grow in?

Kramer's Supreme Camellia is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Kramer's Supreme Camellia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Kramer's Supreme Camellia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Kramer's Supreme Camellia bloom?

Kramer's Supreme Camellia typically blooms in late winter through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Kramer's Supreme Camellia need full sun?

Kramer's Supreme Camellia does best in part shade.