Species

Camellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

23 other cultivars

shrub

Greensboro Red Camellia

Camellia japonica 'Greensboro Red'

The Story

Plant Bio

Classic evergreen shrubs of the southern garden, prized for their glossy, dark green leaves and large, showy flowers that bloom from late winter to spring. They prefer sheltered, shady locations.

'Greensboro Red' is a reliable and vigorous variety known for its large, bright red, semi-double flowers with a prominent cluster of golden stamens. It is a dependable bloomer with a classic look.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides spectacular, large red blossoms in the late winter and early spring garden, a time when color is scarce. Its handsome, glossy evergreen foliage makes it a beautiful structural plant year-round.

It can be used as a stunning, unpruned specimen, an accent in a woodland garden, or planted in a row to create a dense, beautiful evergreen screen for privacy. The flowers are excellent for cutting.

The early blooms provide a vital nectar source for bees and other pollinators that may emerge during warm spells in late winter.

SpeciesCamellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144"

Width

96"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

Very long-lived shrub

Native To

Japan, Korea, China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late winter – Mid-spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with dappled shade or morning sun only.
Ensure the soil is acidic, rich, and extremely well-drained.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Set the plant 1-2 inches higher than it was in the container.
Backfill with amended soil, creating a slight mound.
Water deeply and apply a layer of mulch.

Pro Tip

Planting camellias slightly high, with the top of the root ball above the soil line, is crucial for preventing root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide shelter from harsh winter winds and direct afternoon sun.
Water consistently, especially during summer when flower buds are forming.
Use an acid-loving plant fertilizer.
Remove spent flowers to keep the plant looking tidy.

Don't

Do not plant too deeply.
Avoid locations with poor drainage or heavy clay soil.
Don't fertilize after July, as it can interfere with bud set.
Do not allow the plant to dry out during summer droughts.

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

Classic woodland garden specimenElegant foundation planting for shady wallsBeautiful evergreen privacy screen

Companion Plants

Azalea Hosta HelleborusJapanese Maple Pieris japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Greensboro Red Camellia questions

What zones can Greensboro Red Camellia grow in?

Greensboro Red 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 Greensboro Red Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does Greensboro Red Camellia bloom?

Greensboro Red 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 Greensboro Red Camellia need full sun?

Greensboro Red Camellia does best in part shade.