Winter's Joy Camellia

The Winter’s Joy Camellia is an amazing fall and winter blooming evergreen shrub that will certainly bring plenty of joy to your winters. The first blooms open in October, and continue into December and even January. Carried in profusion on an upright bush around 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, the flowers are 3½ inches across, with fluted clear pink petals surrounding a golden-yellow center. Grow it as a specimen in beds or on a lawn, plant it at the edge of a woodland, or grow it in a tub or planter box, especially if you don’t have suitable soil.

• Pink semi-double flowers with a yellow center
• Blooms from October to January
• Handsome evergreen leaves on an upright bush
• Bred to be hardy in zone 6
• Needs acid soil to grow well

Partial shade is ideal for the Winter’s Joy Camellia, which should be sheltered from strong sun, but in a bright location. It grows best in moist but well-drained soil rich in organic materials, and with a pH value of 6.5 or less. It is generally free of pests and diseases and deer aren’t a major concern. Mulch in spring and water regularly. No pruning is needed, but if you do need to trim a little, do this in early spring before the new growth develops.