shrub

Winter's Star Camellia

Camellia 'Winter's Star Camellia'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

84 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Hybrid of Asian species

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellias are broadleaf evergreen shrubs celebrated for their exquisite flowers and glossy, dark green foliage. They are staples of southern gardens, with different species blooming from fall through spring. 'Winter's Star' is a hybrid developed by Dr. William Ackerman for exceptional cold hardiness. It has an upright habit and produces single, six-petaled, fragrant violet-pink flowers in the fall.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides stunning, elegant flowers in fall and winter when little else is blooming, adding color and life to the dormant garden. The glossy evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and beauty.

Its dense, evergreen nature makes it an excellent choice for privacy screens, hedges, or foundation plantings that look good all year. Can be pruned into a small tree form.

Offers a late-season nectar source for bees and other pollinators that are active on warm days in fall and winter, providing a crucial food source when other options are scarce.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade, protected from winter winds.
Ensure soil is acidic (pH 5.5-6.5) and well-drained.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is 1-2 inches above grade.
Backfill with amended soil and create a water-retaining berm.
Water thoroughly and apply a layer of organic mulch like pine straw.

Pro Tip

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

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Mulch with pine straw or bark to protect roots and acidify soil.
Water regularly during dry periods, especially in summer as buds set.
Use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.
Provide shelter from harsh winter sun and wind in colder zones.

Don't

Don't plant in alkaline or neutral soil.
Don't expose to hot, direct afternoon sun.
Don't plant too deep, as this is a primary cause of failure.
Don't let the soil dry out completely.

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

Elegant foundation planting for north or east wallsWoodland garden specimen for fall colorGlossy evergreen hedge or screen

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Azalea Pieris japonica Hosta Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Winter's Star Camellia questions

What zones can Winter's Star Camellia grow in?

Winter's Star 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 Winter's Star Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does Winter's Star Camellia bloom?

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

Does Winter's Star Camellia need full sun?

Winter's Star Camellia does best in part shade.