Family
Theaceae
Botanical Name
CAMELLIA japonica 'Misty Morn'
Plant Common Name
Camellia, Japanese Camellia, Misty Morn Camellia
General Description
The camellia 'Misty Morn' produces medium-sized, double, pink-blushed white blooms from late winter to early spring. Selected by Mr. and Mrs. H. Peters of Tauranga, New Zealand, this cultivar originated as a chance seedling in 1969. 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 rounded, medium to large shrub has ascending, gray-barked branches and oval, glossy, dark-green leaves with serrated edges. Each bloom contains about 55 petals. The outer petals are pale pink fading to white toward the base; the inner petals are white with a pink tinge. This cultivar blooms toward the end of the Camellia japonica season.
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 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'-15' / 2.4m - 4.6m
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Width
5'-10' / 1.5m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Early 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
White, Light Pink, Ivory
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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
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