Maureen Gilmer
Family
Theaceae
Botanical Name
CAMELLIA japonica 'Richard Nixon'
Plant Common Name
Camellia, Japanese Camellia, Richard Nixon Camellia
General Description
The camellia 'Richard Nixon' produces large, anemone-form blooms with pinkish white, rose-streaked petals. Selected by U. B. Stair of Whittier, California, this cultivar originated in the early 1950s. 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 slow-growing, upright, medium-sized shrub has ascending, gray-barked branches and oval, glossy, dark-green leaves with serrated edges. Each bloom contains an outer ring of crinkled petals and a central ruff of smaller "petaloids." The petaloids are interspersed with clusters of golden anthers. This early-blooming cultivar flowers from late fall into winter.
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, conservatories, 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
6'-12' / 1.8m - 3.7m
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Width
4'-10' / 1.2m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Late Fall, Early Winter, 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, Rose
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Flower Color Modifier
Striped
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light 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