shrub

Early Wonder Camellia

Name: Early Wonder Camellia
Brand: Camellia
Availability: InStock

Camellia japonica 'Early Autumn'

$45.00

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108 inches

Width

84 inches

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

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia japonica is a broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its large, showy flowers and glossy, dark green leaves. They prefer sheltered locations with acidic, well-drained soil. Marketed as 'Early Wonder', this cultivar is prized for its very early bloom season, starting in autumn with semi-double, ruffled, lavender-red flowers. It provides welcome color when most other plants are fading.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Offers a rare and valuable source of vibrant color in the autumn and early winter garden. Its glossy evergreen leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for the ruffled red flowers, ensuring year-round visual interest.

Excellent for extending the season of interest in a shrub border or woodland garden. Its upright, bushy habit makes it suitable for foundation plantings or as a standalone specimen near a patio or entryway.

Provides a late-season nectar source for any active pollinators, such as overwintering bumblebees, when most other floral resources have disappeared.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Sooner Plant Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$45.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

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

Exceptional fall and winter interest specimenColorful accent for a woodland garden entryVibrant foundation planting

Companion Plants

Helleborus niger Mahonia x media 'Winter Sun' Sarcococca confusa Heuchera Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Early Wonder Camellia questions

What zones can Early Wonder Camellia grow in?

Early Wonder 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 Early Wonder Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does Early Wonder Camellia bloom?

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

Does Early Wonder Camellia need full sun?

Early Wonder Camellia does best in part shade.