Hongluzen Camellia

The Chinese name of the Hongluzhen Camellia means ‘showing red treasure’, and that’s exactly what this beautiful variety will do for you every spring. The superb, ruffled flowers are up to 5 inches across, and a rich scarlet-pink in color. The outer petals form a wave-like circle that surrounds an inner flurry of smaller twisted petals. A few golden stamens peak out from between them, like curious fairies hiding from view. Their job is obviously to guard the treasure of this beautiful bloom. Blooming abundantly in the second half of the spring camellia season, so between March and May, depending on your climate, this strong, upright bush is a vigorous grower, with strong roots. Growing quickly to 6 feet tall, and ready to reach 10 feet, not only is it a great plant for filling the corners of your beds, it is one of the very best camellia choices for making a spectacular flowering hedge. Its dense growth means a solid, sound-proof hedge, and just one spring trim is all it takes to keep it neat and beautiful, from top to bottom.

• Large scarlet-pink blooms filled with swirling petals
• A finale to the camellia season, flowering between March and May
• Dense, upright form makes it ideal for a gorgeous flowering hedge
• Plant it in moist, acidic soil in partial shade for the best results
• Exceptionally strong root system and vigorous growth

The Hongluzhen Camellia will grow best with some morning sun, followed by light shade, or in permanent light shade, such as beneath deciduous trees or on the north side of a house. Plant it in rich, moist soi l that is well-drained and acidic. It should have a pH value below 6.0. In neutral soils it is possible to grow it if you regularly use camellia fertilizers contained chelated iron. Water new plants frequently, and continue to water established ones during dry periods. Deer don’t eat it, and it almost never has any pest or disease problems. For a hedge, trim once a year immediately after flowering. Trim to encourage a shape that is wider at the bottom than at the top. Don’t trim later in the year, or flowering will be jeopardized.