Species

Camellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

23 other cultivars

shrub

Korean Fire Camellia

Camellia japonica 'Korean Fire'

The Story

Plant Bio

A broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, dark green leaves and large, showy flowers that bloom in the cool season. Camellia japonica varieties are known for their elegant, formal appearance.

'Korean Fire' is distinguished by its exceptional cold hardiness for a C. japonica, surviving into zone 6. It produces vibrant, single, fiery red flowers with a prominent boss of golden stamens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides spectacular late winter to early spring color with its fiery red blooms against glossy evergreen foliage, serving as a striking focal point when little else is in flower.

Can be grown as an informal hedge or screen, providing year-round privacy and structure in the landscape. The dense foliage also helps with sound abatement.

The early-season flowers provide a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators emerging from winter dormancy. The dense branches offer shelter for birds.

SpeciesCamellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144"

Width

96"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Asia (parent species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late winter – Mid-spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with acidic, well-drained soil and afternoon shade.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Amend soil with organic matter like compost or pine bark.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is 1-2 inches above grade.
Backfill the hole and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, avoiding the main stem.

Pro Tip

Plant high, with the top of the root ball slightly above the surrounding soil level to ensure excellent drainage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells, especially the first few years.
Use an acid-loving plant fertilizer.
Protect from harsh winter winds and sun in colder zones.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, wet clay soil.
Avoid cultivating around the shallow roots.
Don't prune in late summer or fall; you'll remove next year's flower buds.

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

Woodland garden specimenElegant foundation plantingFlowering privacy screen

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Hydrangea macrophylla Hosta Helleborus orientalisFerns

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Korean Fire Camellia questions

What zones can Korean Fire Camellia grow in?

Korean Fire Camellia is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Korean Fire Camellia deer resistant?

Yes — Korean Fire Camellia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Korean Fire Camellia bloom?

Korean Fire 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 Korean Fire Camellia need full sun?

Korean Fire Camellia does best in part shade.