Species

Camellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

23 other cultivars

shrub

Blood of China Camellia

Camellia japonica 'Blood Of China'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia japonica is a broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its large, showy flowers in late winter to spring and glossy, dark green leaves. They prefer sheltered locations with acidic, well-drained soil.

'Blood of China' is a late-season bloomer known for its large, semi-double to peony-form flowers of a striking salmon-red. Its vigorous, upright growth makes it an excellent choice for a screen or specimen.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides spectacular winter and spring color with its vibrant red blooms set against glossy, evergreen foliage. Its upright habit makes it a striking focal point in landscape designs, offering year-round structure and beauty.

Can be grown as a dense, informal hedge or screen, providing privacy and a beautiful backdrop for other plantings. The flowers are excellent for cutting and bringing indoors during the bleakest months of the year.

The late winter and early spring flowers provide a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators when few other plants are in bloom, supporting local ecosystems at a critical time.

SpeciesCamellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144"

Width

96"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Japan, China, Korea

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Late winter – Mid-spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with morning sun and afternoon shade, protected from harsh winds.
Amend soil with organic matter to ensure it is acidic and well-draining.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above soil level.
Backfill with amended soil, water thoroughly to settle, and create a water well.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of pine straw or bark mulch.

Pro Tip

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

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells in summer and fall.
Use an acid-based fertilizer formulated for camellias or azaleas.
Mulch annually to protect roots, conserve moisture, and suppress weeds.
Prune immediately after flowering to shape the plant and encourage bushiness.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soil.
Avoid planting in direct, hot afternoon sun which can scorch leaves.
Never pile mulch directly against the trunk, as it can cause rot.
Do not fertilize in the late fall, as this can encourage tender new growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant woodland garden specimenLustrous evergreen privacy screenDramatic foundation planting

Companion Plants

RhododendronAzalea Helleborus Pieris japonica Dryopteris erythrosora

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Blood of China Camellia questions

What zones can Blood of China Camellia grow in?

Blood of China 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 Blood of China Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does Blood of China Camellia bloom?

Blood of China 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 Blood of China Camellia need full sun?

Blood of China Camellia does best in part shade.