James Burghardt
Family
Theaceae
Botanical Name
CAMELLIA japonica 'Betty Sheffield Blush'
Plant Common Name
Betty Sheffield Blush Camellia, Camellia, Japanese Camellia
General Description
The camellia ‘Betty Sheffield Blush’ bears large, pale-pink blooms with deep pink veining and golden stamens. Each flower has numerous ruffled petals arrayed in "loose peony" form. Flowering occurs mid- to late-season (late winter to spring). This sport of 'Betty Sheffield' originated about 1950 at Thomasville Nurseries, Thomasville, Georgia. It develops slowly into a dense, upright, medium-sized shrub with oval, glossy, dark green leaves and attractive gray-barked branches. It 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.
Camellia japonica cultivars prefer dappled sun 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. Camellia japonica cultivars are well suited for foundation plantings, mixed borders, cool greenhouses, and large containers. Their large 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
6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m
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Width
5'-10' / 1.5m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, 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
Light Pink
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark 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
Semi-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