James H. Schutte
Family
Theaceae
Botanical Name
CAMELLIA japonica 'Arthur Middleton'
Plant Common Name
Arthur Middleton Camellia, Camellia, Japanese Camillia
General Description
The camellia 'Arthur Middleton' produces fully double, deep-pink, midseason blooms. It originated at Middleton Gardens, Charleston, South Carolina, sometime before 1940. This cultivar is one of thousands of named selections and hybrids of Camellia japonica, a broadleaf evergreen shrub that has long been grown and treasured in its native East Asia.
This vigorous, upright, large shrub has ascending, gray-barked branches and oval, glossy, medium-green leaves with serrated edges. The many-petaled blooms are of "formal double" form. In frost-free conditions 'Arthur Middleton' flowers from midwinter to early spring. Bloom may commence later in colder sites.
Camellia japonica cultivars prefer some shade but will tolerate full sun once established. The soil should be moist, well-drained, and non-alkaline. Shelter them from harsh winter sun and winds, and apply mulch to keep the roots cool and moist. Regular irrigation and applications of fertilizer promote optimal growth and flowering. Prune lightly (if necessary) in early spring, before next year's flower buds form. This Camellia japonica cultivar is well suited for foundation plantings, mixed borders, cool greenhouses, and large containers. Its waxy flowers are excellent for cutting.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 9
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Sunset Zone
H1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
10'-18' / 3.0m - 5.5m
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Width
6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Winter, Late Winter
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Native To
China, Japan, Korea
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink, Rose
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Bark Color
Tan, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Double
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No