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CAMELLIA japonica 'Buddy'

Image of Camellia japonica 'Buddy'

James Burghardt

Family

Theaceae

Botanical Name

CAMELLIA japonica 'Buddy'

Plant Common Name

Buddy Camellia, Camellia, Japanese Camellia

General Description

The camellia 'Buddy' produces fragrant, semi-double, purplish-pink blooms on compact bushy plants. Selected in 1951 by H. L. Windbigler of Loxley, Alabama, 'Buddy' originated as a chance seedling. It is one of thousands of named cultivars and hybrids of Camellia japonica, a broadleaf evergreen shrub that has long been grown and treasured in its native East Asia.

This slow-growing, shrubby camellia has upright, gray-barked branches and oval, glossy, medium- green leaves with bluntly toothed edges. Relatively small, bubblegum-pink, magnolia-like flowers appear in midwinter, midway in the Camellia japonica bloom season. Each blossom has approximately 15 petals arranged in three distinct layers. The four innermost petals cup a bundle of golden stamens.

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. This compact Camellia japonica cultivar is well suited for foundation plantings, mixed borders, cool sunrooms, and large containers. Its waxy flowers are excellent for cutting.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    7 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    5'-8' / 1.5m - 2.4m

  • Width

    5'-8' / 1.5m - 2.4m

  • Bloom Time

    Winter, Late Winter

  • Native To

    China, Japan, Korea

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Very Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Pink

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Bark Color

    Tan, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Semi-Double

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No