Species

Camellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

27 other cultivars

shrub

Japanese Camellia 'Nuccio's Cameo'

Camellia japonica 'Nuccio's Cameo'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia japonica is an upright, dense broadleaf evergreen shrub native to continental Asia, featuring dark green leathery leaves with finely serrated margins. From late winter into spring, it produces large solitary flowers directly along the shoots before spring growth begins.

'Nuccio's Cameo' forms medium to large formal double rose-form blooms in a coral-pink to soft shell-pink shade, reaching up to four inches in diameter. The shrub grows into a compact, broad silhouette reaching eight to twelve feet high with dark glossy foliage year-round.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces long-lasting coral-pink formal double flowers during late winter when few other shrubs bloom.

Functions effectively as an evergreen privacy screen or structured hedge in shady garden areas.

Provides evergreen shelter and roosting habitat for small songbirds throughout winter.

SpeciesCamellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120"

Width

96"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with dappled shade or morning light, sheltered from direct afternoon sun.
Incorporate organic leaf mold or compost into soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Position the root crown slightly higher than the surrounding soil level and backfill gently.
Apply a three-inch layer of bark mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Set the root crown slightly above the soil surface at planting, as burying the flare in heavy or wet soil induces fatal Phytophthora root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep soil evenly moist using regular irrigation during warm, dry spells.
Maintain a thick layer of acidic organic mulch over the shallow root zone.

Don't

Do not prune late in summer or fall, which removes the developing flower buds.
Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils with poor drainage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Understory woodland plantingsFormal evergreen hedgingLarge patio container displayShaded foundation planting

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Acer palmatum Heuchera Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Japanese Camellia 'Nuccio's Cameo' questions

What zones can Japanese Camellia 'Nuccio's Cameo' grow in?

Japanese Camellia 'Nuccio's Cameo' is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Japanese Camellia 'Nuccio's Cameo' deer resistant?

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

When does Japanese Camellia 'Nuccio's Cameo' bloom?

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

Does Japanese Camellia 'Nuccio's Cameo' need full sun?

Japanese Camellia 'Nuccio's Cameo' does best in part shade.

Is Japanese Camellia 'Nuccio's Cameo' drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Japanese Camellia 'Nuccio's Cameo' handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.