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Red blooms while the garden is still half asleep 😴
Family: Theaceae • Pot diameter: 15 cm • Height: ~30 cm
Camellia japonica 'Blood of China' is a classic camellia cultivar with dark, glossy evergreen foliage and rich, deep red blooms that bring strong colour from late winter into spring. It works as a refined evergreen shrub for entrances, balconies and sheltered terraces, and with the right care it develops into a statement plant in part-shade corners with other acid-loving and traditional ornamental garden species.
Camellias prefer bright partial shade: ideally an east- or north-facing aspect with morning or soft late-afternoon sun and protection from harsh midday sun, especially on glazed balconies. Avoid spots with very dry, hot air (e.g. directly above radiators or against walls that overheat) and choose a position with relatively stable moisture. In a pot, placing it in a slightly sheltered corner helps protect it from cold north winds on very frosty days.
Design goal: a refined, timeless corner with dark evergreen foliage and bursts of deep red colour when the camellia flowers.
Taxonomic history: Camellia japonica belongs to the genus Camellia in the family Theaceae, often called the “tea family”, since it also includes Camellia sinensis, source of traditional tea. C. japonica has been grown as an ornamental shrub for centuries in Japan, China and Europe.
Habitat & distribution: In the wild it is found in forests of East Asia, in regions with mild, humid climates, acidic soils and part-shade. Plants grow as evergreen shrubs or small trees along woodland edges and stream sides, where they are protected from intense, direct sun.
Naming & etymology: The genus name Camellia honours Czech botanist Georg Joseph Kamel, while the epithet japonica reflects its strong link with Japanese flora and garden traditions. The cultivar name 'Blood of China' highlights the deep red flower colour and echoes Chinese camellias with intense, almost velvety tones.
Selection & propagation: 'Blood of China' is a cultivated variety (cultivar) selected for stable deep red colour, reliable flowering and elegant shrub form. It is propagated vegetatively (cuttings, grafting) so that its characteristics remain unchanged, and is offered internationally as a premium choice for containers and gardens in mild climates.
| 🔎 Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical name | Camellia japonica 'Blood of China' |
| 🪴 Pot / Size | 15 cm pot • height ~30 cm • evergreen shrub in container |
| ☀️ Light | Bright partial shade with morning or soft late-afternoon sun; avoid harsh midday sun, especially on glazed balconies. |
| 💧 Watering | Compost kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Do not let it dry out completely, especially when in bud. |
| 🌡️ Temperature | Ideally 5–24°C. Hardy in the ground; in pots protect from prolonged frost and strong winds. |
| 🌸 Flowering | Late winter to spring, with deep red, full blooms that stand out against the dark foliage. |
| 📏 Final size | In the ground it can reach around 1.5–2 m in height; in pots it remains more compact, depending on container size and pruning. |
| 🐾 Toxicity | Toxicity: Suitable for spaces with children and pets. |
Ideally bright partial shade with morning or soft late-afternoon sun. Avoid strong midday sun, especially on balconies that heat up in summer or behind glass.
It needs acidic compost (for acid-loving plants) with good drainage and consistently slightly moist conditions. Water when the top layer starts to dry, avoiding both complete dryness and permanently soggy compost.
It usually flowers from late winter into spring, depending on the climate. In a pot it starts as a small shrub around 30 cm tall, but over the years and in a larger pot or in the ground it can reach 1.5–2 m.
Yes, provided you can offer bright partial shade, protection from harsh midday sun and acidic compost. In areas with strong frost you may need extra protection or to move it to a more sheltered spot on the coldest nights.
© Original plant description by Greenleaf Garden Center. All rights reserved. | Το κείμενο αποτελεί πρωτότυπο υλικό. Απαγορεύεται η αντιγραφή (Νόμος 2121/1993).
🔎 Note: Due to the natural variation of plants, the specimen you receive may differ slightly from the one in the photo. Shape, size and colour depend on the season, growing conditions and the individual plant.
