Camellia Japonica: Fragrant Or Just A Pretty Face?

Camellias are cherished for their magnificent flowers and evergreen foliage, but most varieties have no scent. However, some cultivars of Camellia japonica are grown for their fragrance. These include Herme, Kramer's Supreme, Scentsation, Spring Sonnet, and those with Fragrant or Scent in their names. One example is the High Fragrance Camellia, which has soft, fragrant flowers and is perfect for landscapes requiring a small tree.

The 'High Fragrance' cultivar

The High Fragrance Camellia is a unique cultivar with a noticeable scent, setting it apart from other camellia varieties. This fragrant camellia variety is an excellent choice for any landscape that needs a small tree. The shrub produces large, soft pink flowers with ruffled petals, which bloom from mid to late season, typically from January through March. The dark green foliage provides a beautiful contrast to the delicate blooms and remains evergreen throughout the year.

The High Fragrance Camellia is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 7-10 and thrives in consistently moist, well-drained, slightly acidic, and nutrient-rich soil. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade, depending on the climate. In warmer regions, the shrub prefers shade during the hot afternoon sun, while in cooler climates, full sun is ideal for optimal flower production.

To care for the High Fragrance Camellia, it is recommended to water the shrub thoroughly during the first year to establish a strong root system. Applying a slow-release fertiliser in early spring can extend the blooming season. Additionally, mulching with a thick layer of pine bark or pine straw helps retain moisture and protects the root ball. The shrub is deer-resistant, drought-resistant, and heat-tolerant once established.

The High Fragrance Camellia is an excellent choice for a focal point in the garden. It can be planted as a stand-alone tree, in groups to form a privacy hedge, or in containers for small garden spaces. The shrub's mature size is typically up to 5-8 feet tall and wide, and it has an upright growth habit. When creating a camellia hedge, it is recommended to space the trees about 4 feet apart.

Camellias are fragrant in certain seasons

Camellias are renowned for their magnificent flowers and evergreen foliage, making them one of the most desirable plants to grow. While most camellia blooms bear no scent, certain species stand out for their alluring fragrance. The timing of this fragrance depends on the climate and variety, with some camellias offering sweet scents in the fall, winter, or spring.

Among the scented camellia species, Camellia japonica is notable for its fragrant cultivars. The Camellia japonica 'Herme' group, for instance, is known for its semi-double, medium-sized flowers in a captivating dark salmon-pink hue, exuding a delightful fragrance. Other fragrant cultivars of Camellia japonica include 'Kramer's Supreme', 'Scentsation', and 'Spring Sonnet'. These cultivars not only delight the senses with their fragrance but also showcase vibrant blossoms, ranging from brilliant red to silvery-pink.

For those seeking a fragrant addition to their garden, the Camellia 'High Fragrance' is a standout choice. This evergreen shrub produces large pink flowers with a scent reminiscent of roses, peonies, or jasmine. Blooming in the mid to late season, usually from January to March, this camellia variety is a rare find among other types of camellias. Its soft, fragrant flowers and dark green foliage make it an excellent focal point in any landscape.

In addition to the aforementioned species, there are several other camellias worth mentioning for their fragrance. The Camellia 'Fragrant Pink', an evergreen shrub with miniature peony-form flowers in cheerful pink, offers a delightful scent reminiscent of sweet osmanthus. The Camellia 'Scentuous', with its small, semi-double blossoms, graces the garden with a long-lasting fragrance from mid to late season. The Camellia 'Spring Mist' is another fragrant variety, featuring charming, small, semi-double flowers in blush pink, gradually fading to white. These camellias provide not only visual beauty but also a delightful olfactory experience.

Camellias attract wildlife

Camellias attract a variety of wildlife, including bees, butterflies, birds, deer, and squirrels. They are a good source of nectar for pollinators like honeybees, bumblebees, and native bees, especially in the fall and winter when food sources are scarce. Camellias also attract honey-seeking ants, and their pollen-rich anthers are a favourite of foraging bumblebees.

Camellia japonica, in particular, is pollinated by the Japanese white-eye bird (Zosterops japonica). The dense foliage of camellias also provides cover for small birds, protecting them from wind and predators like hawks.

Camellias are a food source for caterpillars of some Lepidoptera species, such as the engrailed (Ectropis crepuscularia). Additionally, the leaves and flowers of camellias are browsed by deer and nibbled by squirrels, who seem to have a sweet tooth for the nectaries at the base of the blooms.

How to care for a camellia japonica

Camellia Japonica is a beautiful flowering shrub that is native to eastern and southern Asia. With the right care, it can thrive in various climates and environments. Here are some detailed instructions on how to care for a Camellia Japonica:

Planting

When planting your Camellia Japonica, it is important to choose the right location and time of year. Spring or fall is generally the best time for planting, but if you live in a colder climate, it is recommended to plant in the spring to give the root system time to establish before winter. Choose a location that receives partial shade, as the plant can be sensitive to intense, direct sunlight. Make sure the soil is well-drained, nutrient-rich, and slightly acidic, as this is crucial for the successful growth of Camellia Japonica.

Watering

Regular watering is critical, especially during the first year after planting. Watering twice a week is recommended, and it is best to use rainwater if possible as it is slightly acidic. Keeping the soil moist during dry periods will help with plant development and bloom production. Once the plant is mature (about 3 years old), it will need less supplemental watering.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing your Camellia Japonica is important to ensure its healthy growth. It is recommended to fertilize with a high-potassium fertilizer during the summer months and a slow-release nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the spring. Avoid fertilizing after August, as it may promote new growth that could be damaged by cold temperatures in the winter.

Pruning

Pruning is generally not necessary for Camellia Japonica, but if you need to remove dead or damaged branches or control the shape of the shrub, it is best to prune just after the blooming period ends. Avoid pruning in late summer, as you may remove developing buds for the next year. When pruning, cut just above a scar that marks the end of the previous year's growth.

Pests and Diseases

Camellia Japonica is prone to pests and diseases, so it is important to be vigilant. Common pests include aphids, planthoppers, and spider mites. As for diseases, the plant is susceptible to fungal infections such as petal blight, leaf spot, anthracnose, and root rot. Remove any diseased plant parts promptly to prevent the spread of the infection.

Propagation

If you wish to propagate your Camellia Japonica, the layering technique is commonly used. In the spring, select a healthy lower stem that is long enough to reach the ground. Nick the stem and apply rooting hormone, then bury it in the ground while keeping the area moist. After a network of roots has formed, sever it from the parent plant and replant it elsewhere.

Potting and Repotting

Camellia Japonica can also be grown in pots, making it a perfect choice for patios or decks. Choose a dwarf variety for containers, and remember that the soil in pots dries out more quickly and will need more frequent watering. Repot the plant every two to three years into a larger container with fresh potting mix as the roots grow.

Other fragrant camellia species

While most camellia species bear no scent, there are a few fragrant varieties of camellia japonica, including 'Herme', 'Kramer's Supreme', 'Scentsation', and 'Spring Sonnet'. However, there are several other camellia species that are known for their desirable fragrance, even if they may lack the desirable size, colour, and flower form. Here are some of them:

Camellia dubia

A small, fragrant flower that lacks the size and colour of some other camellia species.

Camellia lutchuensis

Camellia lutchuensis is one of the most scented camellia species and has been used to create fragrant hybrids since the early 1960s.

Camellia sasanqua

Many camellia sasanqua emit some fragrance and are known for their lovely fall flowers. Their blooms are usually single or semi-double, smaller than those of camellia japonica, and range in colour from white to deep pink.

Camellia yunnanensis

Another fragrant species that may not have the same visual impact as some other camellia varieties.

Camellia 'Cinnamon Cindy'

A fragrant, vigorous evergreen shrub that produces clusters of small, white peony-form flowers with pink tinges and a pleasing cinnamon fragrance.

Camellia 'Fragrant Pink'

A fragrant and vigorous shrub with miniature, peony-form flowers in cheerful pink. Its fragrance is reminiscent of sweet osmanthus.

Camellia 'Minato-No-Akebono'

A delightfully fragrant evergreen shrub with miniature, single flowers in shell pink, featuring a prominent cluster of golden stamens.

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