shrub

Pink Icicle Camellia

Camellia 'Pink Icicle'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellias are broadleaf evergreen shrubs or small trees celebrated for their exquisite, rose-like flowers that bloom in fall, winter, or spring. They possess handsome, glossy dark green foliage.

'Pink Icicle' is a cold-hardy hybrid developed by Dr. William Ackerman, featuring large, semi-double, clear pink flowers that bloom from mid-winter into spring, even in Zone 6.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides stunning, large pink blossoms during the bleak winter months when little else is in bloom, complemented by handsome, glossy evergreen foliage.

Can be used to create a dense, evergreen screen for privacy or as a formal hedge. Its shade tolerance makes it ideal for north-facing foundation plantings.

Offers a crucial early nectar source for bees and other pollinators that emerge on warm winter days.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Hybrid; parent species from Asia

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 morning sun and afternoon shade.
Ensure soil is acidic, well-drained, and rich in organic matter.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Set the plant slightly high to promote drainage.
Backfill with amended soil and water thoroughly.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of pine bark or pine straw mulch.

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

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Use an acid-forming fertilizer formulated for camellias.
Mulch with pine needles or bark to conserve moisture and acidify soil.
Prune immediately after flowering to shape and remove dead wood.

Don't

Don't plant in heavy, wet clay soil.
Don't allow the root ball to dry out completely.
Don't cultivate around the shallow roots.
Don't plant in full afternoon sun, which can scorch leaves.

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 with winter interestLustrous evergreen hedge or privacy screen

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Helleborus Dryopteris erythrosora Pieris japonica Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pink Icicle Camellia questions

What zones can Pink Icicle Camellia grow in?

Pink Icicle 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 Pink Icicle Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does Pink Icicle Camellia bloom?

Pink Icicle 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 Pink Icicle Camellia need full sun?

Pink Icicle Camellia does best in part shade.