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CAMELLIA japonica 'Richard Nixon'

Image of Camellia japonica 'Richard Nixon'

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

  • 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

    6'-12' / 1.8m - 3.7m

  • Width

    4'-10' / 1.2m - 3.0m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Fall, Early Winter, Winter

  • Native To

    China, Japan, Korea

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Light Pink, Rose

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Striped

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Light Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Tan, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • 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, Hedges, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No