Species

Camellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

23 other cultivars

shrub

Rose Dawn Japanese Camellia

Camellia japonica 'Rose Dawn'

Same species

Species

Camellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

23 other cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Japan, Korea, China

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia japonica is a broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its large, showy flowers from late winter to spring and its glossy, dark green leaves. 'Rose Dawn' is admired for its large, perfectly formed, formal double flowers of a clear, deep rose-pink. It has a vigorous, upright growth habit ideal for screening.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The formal double pink flowers provide a classic, elegant display in spring. Its dense, upright habit and glossy evergreen leaves make it a handsome plant year-round.

Its vigorous, dense growth makes it an excellent choice for creating a tall, flowering privacy screen or formal hedge that provides structure and beauty.

Blooms provide a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators emerging in late winter and early spring when other food sources are limited.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with acidic, well-drained soil and morning sun.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant with the root flare slightly above soil level.
Backfill with amended soil, creating a slight mound.
Water thoroughly to settle soil and eliminate air pockets.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base.

Pro Tip

Protect from harsh afternoon sun and drying winter winds to prevent leaf scorch and preserve flower buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Use an acid-forming fertilizer formulated for camellias and azaleas.
Mulch with pine straw or bark to conserve moisture and acidify soil.
Prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year's buds.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soil.
Avoid exposing the plant to harsh afternoon sun or drying winter winds.
Never pile mulch directly against the trunk.
Don't allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

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

Classic formal hedge or screenStriking entryway specimen plantElegant accent in a woodland garden

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Azalea Hosta Helleborus orientalis Pieris japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Rose Dawn Japanese Camellia questions

What zones can Rose Dawn Japanese Camellia grow in?

Rose Dawn 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 Rose Dawn Japanese Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does Rose Dawn Japanese Camellia bloom?

Rose Dawn Japanese Camellia typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Rose Dawn Japanese Camellia need full sun?

Rose Dawn Japanese Camellia does best in part shade.