Species

Camellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

27 other cultivars

shrub

Great Eastern Camellia

Camellia japonica 'Great Eastern'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia japonica, the common camellia, is a slow-growing evergreen shrub native to mainland Asia, characterized by glossy, leathery, serrated leaves and a dense, upright habit. The species thrives in acidic, well-drained soils under partial canopy shade, producing prominent flowers from late winter into early spring.

'Great Eastern' is an heirloom Australian cultivar dating to the 1870s, distinguished by its large, semi-double, rose-red to crimson flowers with a central cluster of smaller petaloids. This selection forms a robust, formal shrub reaching up to thirteen feet tall, with bronze-tinted new growth that matures to a deep polished green.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces large, formal, semi-double rose-red flowers against glossy, deep green evergreen foliage.

Functions well as a dense, long-lived privacy screen or formal hedge in shaded garden areas.

Provides a valuable nectar source for bees and early-season pollinators in late winter and early spring.

SpeciesCamellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

157"

Width

118"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Asia (species), Australia (cultivar)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late winter – Early spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a planting site with acidic, well-draining soil that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the root collar sits slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
Backfill with a mix of native soil and organic matter, tamping lightly to remove air pockets without compacting.
Water deeply at planting and maintain consistent moisture, especially during late summer when flower buds are developing.

Pro Tip

Plant with the root collar slightly above the soil line to prevent root rot, and prune immediately after the spring bloom to avoid cutting off next winter's flower buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Mulch the root zone with organic matter to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering finishes in early spring.
Apply an acidic, slow-release fertilizer in spring.

Don't

Do not plant the root collar below the soil level, as this induces root rot.
Do not prune late in the summer or fall, which removes the next season's flower buds.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely during late summer bud development.
Do not plant in heavy, unamended clay or waterlogged areas.

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

Specimen plantingMixed shrub bordersFormal hedgesFoundation plantingsWoodland gardens

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Pieris japonica Hosta Acer palmatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Great Eastern Camellia questions

What zones can Great Eastern Camellia grow in?

Great Eastern 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 Great Eastern Camellia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Great Eastern Camellia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Great Eastern Camellia bloom?

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

Does Great Eastern Camellia need full sun?

Great Eastern Camellia does best in part shade.

Is Great Eastern Camellia drought tolerant?

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