James H. Schutte
Family
Theaceae
Botanical Name
CAMELLIA japonica 'Elegans Splendor'
Plant Common Name
Camellia, Elegant Camellia, Japanese Camellia
General Description
The large "anemone-form" blossoms of 'Elegans Splendor' are soft pink with serrated edges. The early to midseason blooms appear from winter into spring. This sport of 'C. M. Wilson' was selected by Nuccio's Nurseries, Altadena, California. 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.
This weak-growing, small to medium-sized shrub has spreading, gray-barked branches and oval, glossy, dark-green leaves with serrated edges. Each flower contains numerous petals surrounding a mound of ruffled "petaloids" and a central cluster of yellow stamens. This cultivar received the American Camellia Society's Sewell Mutant Award in 1974.
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. The floral display may be improved by disbudding (removing some of the flower buds as they expand). 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
8'-10' / 2.4m - 3.0m
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Width
8'-10' / 2.4m - 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
Light Pink
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Foliage Color (Spring)
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, Houseplant, 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
