Species

Camellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

23 other cultivars

shrub

Black Tie Japanese Camellia

Camellia japonica 'Black Tie'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia japonica is a classic broadleaf evergreen shrub of the winter and spring garden, prized for its glossy, dark green leaves and large, showy flowers. They prefer acidic soil and protection from harsh sun and wind.

'Black Tie' is distinguished by its formal double flowers of a deep, velvety red. The small to medium-sized blooms have perfectly tiered petals, creating a sophisticated, rose-like appearance.

Uses & Benefits:

'Black Tie' is the epitome of floral elegance, offering perfectly formed, deep red blossoms against a backdrop of lustrous evergreen foliage. It serves as a stunning specimen plant, a formal accent, or part of a woodland garden composition, providing coveted color in the cool season.

It can be grown as a dense, informal screen or hedge, providing year-round privacy. The flowers are excellent for cutting and floating in a bowl of water. It is also well-suited for growing in large containers in a protected location.

The late winter to early spring flowers provide a crucial early nectar source for bees and other pollinators emerging from dormancy. The dense evergreen structure offers shelter for birds.

SpeciesCamellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108"

Width

84"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Japan, Korea, China (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 protection from afternoon sun.
Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly shallower than the root ball.
Amend the backfill soil with organic matter like compost or peat moss.
Set the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is slightly elevated.
Fill the hole with the amended soil and water thoroughly.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of acidic mulch like pine needles or bark.

Pro Tip

Plant camellias high, with the top of the root ball one to two inches above the surrounding soil level to ensure excellent drainage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry summers.
Mulch annually to protect the shallow roots and retain moisture.
Fertilize after flowering with a formula for acid-loving plants.
Protect from harsh winter winds and direct morning sun in winter, which can damage buds.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, alkaline, or poorly drained soil.
Avoid cultivating or digging around the base, as roots are shallow.
Do not let the plant dry out, especially when flower buds are forming.
Avoid pruning late in the season, as this will remove next year's flower buds.

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

Elegant woodland garden specimenFormal foundation plantingLush evergreen screen

Companion Plants

RhododendronAzalea HelleborusFerns Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Black Tie Japanese Camellia questions

What zones can Black Tie Japanese Camellia grow in?

Black Tie Japanese Camellia is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Black Tie Japanese Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does Black Tie Japanese Camellia bloom?

Black Tie Japanese 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 Black Tie Japanese Camellia need full sun?

Black Tie Japanese Camellia does best in part shade.