Autumn Rocket Camellia

If you think camellias are shrubs for winter and early spring, think again, because there is a whole group that flower in fall, like the Autumn Rocket Camellia does. Rocket in shape, growing into a narrow vertical column up to 10 feet tall, but just 3 feet wide, it is rocket in growth too, being vigorous and relatively fast-growing for this group of plants. The handsome, glossy green leaves are evergreen, keeping it attractive all through winter, and the narrow shape makes it perfect for smaller spaces, and as an upright screen or hedge. A great backdrop for azaleas, it is also a great plant for pots, especially if you don’t have the necessary acidic soil. The flowers are gorgeous, produced in profusion all through fall and early winter. They first show as pink buds, but then open to pure, snowy white, with a contrasting cluster of golden stamens in the center of the fluted, wavy petals. That pure white really shows against the dark green leaves, making it a spectacular and surprising way to end the garden season.

• Dense, upright, slender growth to 10 feet tall
• 3-4 inch flowers of pure, pure white
• Informal shape, with frilly petals and a center of golden stamens
• Perfect for smaller spaces, hedges and growing in pots
• Grow in rich, moist, acidic soil

Plant the Autumn Rocket Camellia in full sun in zone 7, and in partial sun everywhere. In colder climates grow in a pot, and keep in a bright, cold place in winter. It enjoys some afternoon shade, and will also grow in light full shade, such as beneath deciduous trees. The soil should be moist but well-drained, and rich in lime-free organic materials, like compost, peat moss or shredded bark. It must also be acidic, with a pH value no more than 6.5, and preferably closer to 5.5. In border-line soils use chelated lime to prevent new growth being yellow. No pruning is needed to keep its compact shape, but if you must, then prune immediately after blooming or before new growth begins. Don’t trim in summer, as that will remove flower buds. Water regularly after planting, and especially in summer, as this plant isn’t drought tolerant. For pots, choose a compost for azaleas or other lime-hating plants. In good growing conditions pests or diseases are rare, and deer don’t eat it.