Species

Camellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

23 other cultivars

shrub

Marie Bracy Camellia

Camellia japonica 'Marie Bracey'

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

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Japan, Korea, China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia japonica is a classic broadleaf evergreen shrub of the winter and spring garden, prized for its glossy, dark green foliage and large, elegant flowers. 'Marie Bracey' is distinguished by its very large, 5-inch wide, semi-double flowers in a beautiful shade of salmon-pink. The blooms feature prominent golden stamens and appear on a vigorous, upright plant.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a spectacular floral display in late winter and early spring when few other plants are blooming. The glossy evergreen leaves offer a lush, green backdrop year-round, making it a superb specimen plant or an elegant informal screen.

Can be used as a dense, evergreen screen for privacy or to block undesirable views. It can also be espaliered against a wall or fence, creating a living work of art in a narrow space.

The flowers provide an important early-season nectar source for bees and other pollinators that are active on warm winter or early spring days. The dense foliage provides shelter for birds.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with acidic, well-drained soil and protection from hot afternoon sun.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Incorporate organic matter like compost or peat moss into the backfill.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above soil level.
Fill the hole, water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
Mulch with 2-3 inches of pine straw or bark, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant camellias slightly high, with the top of the root ball an inch above the surrounding soil, to ensure excellent drainage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells in summer and fall.
Use an acid-loving plant fertilizer after flowering.
Mulch annually to protect the shallow roots and retain moisture.
Site in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade.

Don't

Do not plant too deeply; this is a common cause of failure.
Avoid cultivating around the base of the plant to protect shallow roots.
Don't allow the plant to dry out, especially when flower buds are forming.
Avoid direct, hot afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves.

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

Elegant specimen for a woodland gardenStunning informal hedge or screenClassic foundation planting on a north or east-facing wall

Companion Plants

Azalea Rhododendron Hosta Helleborus Japanese Maple

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Marie Bracy Camellia questions

What zones can Marie Bracy Camellia grow in?

Marie Bracy 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 Marie Bracy Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does Marie Bracy Camellia bloom?

Marie Bracy 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 Marie Bracy Camellia need full sun?

Marie Bracy Camellia does best in part shade.