James Burghardt
Family
Theaceae
Botanical Name
CAMELLIA 'Pink Icicle'
Plant Common Name
Hybrid Camellia, Pink Icicle Camellia
General Description
The pretty Camellia ‘Pink Icicle’ is a cold tolerant hybrid developed by Dr. William Ackerman of the United States National Arboretum. It is quite vigorous and has an upright, compact form. The small leaves are dark green, oval-shaped, evergreen and glossy. Very large, peony-form blooms of clear pink appear late in the season. Peony-form blooms have a mass of irregular petals interlaced with gold reproductive structures in the center of the flowers.
Treasured in eastern Asia for centuries, camellias were brought to the western world by Jesuit missionary and botanist Georg Joseph Kamel, for whom the genus is named. They are large, broadleaf evergreen shrubs to small trees, which have upright to spreading habits and attractive smooth gray branches furnished with glossy, oval, toothed, dark green leaves. From late winter to early spring, they bear large, waxy flowers that are excellent for cutting.
Camellia prefer partial shade, but will tolerate full sun once established. The soil should be evenly moist, on the acid side and amply drained. They are notoriously slow-growing, slow to establish and shallow rooted. It is good to apply a thick layer of organic mulch to protect the roots. Offer regular irrigation when conditions are dry. Prune after flowering just before growth starts in the spring, but only lightly. Camellia do not recover well from harsh pruning.
These shrubs can be cold sensitive, so do not plant them where they are not hardy. The evergreen leaves and tender flower buds may suffer from sunscald and wind desiccation in winter so avoid planting in highly exposed areas. In the landscape, camellia may be used in hedges, foundations, mixed borders or as a specimen plant.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 10
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 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'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m
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Width
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Winter, Late Winter
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Pink
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Fruit Color
Black
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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, Hedges, Screening / Wind Break, 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
