Species

Camellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

27 other cultivars

shrub

Dr. J.C. Raulston Camellia

Camellia japonica 'JC Raulston'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia japonica is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to East Asian broad-leaved forests, valued for its glossy leathery foliage and cold-season flowers. The foliage remains deep green year-round, while blooms open from late winter into early spring when few other woody plants are active.

'JC Raulston' produces large, bright jewel-toned red flowers featuring a loose anemone-form structure with ruffled petals surrounding bright yellow stamens. It forms a vigorous, upright to rounded evergreen shrub reaching up to ten feet tall with strong cold hardiness for the species.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces vivid jewel-toned red semi-double blooms that stand out sharply against dark evergreen leaves in late winter.

Functions as a long-lived, shade-tolerant evergreen structure plant for screening and foundation beds.

Provides early nectar for late-winter pollinators, native bees, and early returning hummingbirds when few plants bloom.

SpeciesCamellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

83"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late winter – Early spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with dappled shade or morning sun protected from harsh afternoon heat and drying winds.
Incorporate organic matter into acidic, well-draining soil with an ideal pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the crown slightly higher than the surrounding soil line.
Backfill carefully, saturate the soil with water, and apply a three-inch layer of organic pine straw or bark mulch over the root zone.

Pro Tip

Plant with the root flare positioned slightly above the surrounding soil level, as deep planting in moisture-retentive soil quickly triggers Phytophthora root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain steady soil moisture throughout the summer dry periods.
Mulch generously over the shallow root system to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Plant in a protected microclimate sheltered from freezing winter winds.

Don't

Do not plant the root collar lower than the surrounding grade.
Do not prune into old, leafless interior wood, which fails to regenerate shoots.
Do not apply high-phosphorus or lime-containing fertilizers that raise soil pH.

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 plant in woodland gardensScreening or informal evergreen hedgeUnderstory planting beneath high pine canopiesShaded foundation planting

Companion Plants

Hydrangea macrophylla Heuchera Acer palmatum Rhododendron

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dr. J.C. Raulston Camellia questions

What zones can Dr. J.C. Raulston Camellia grow in?

Dr. J.C. Raulston Camellia is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Dr. J.C. Raulston Camellia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Dr. J.C. Raulston Camellia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Dr. J.C. Raulston Camellia bloom?

Dr. J.C. Raulston 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 Dr. J.C. Raulston Camellia need full sun?

Dr. J.C. Raulston Camellia does best in part shade.