Royal Velvet Camellia is a vigorous upright evergreen shrub with glossy leaves that stay dark green year-round. The large semi-double velvety red flowers bloom in late winter into spring attracting butterflies. Best blooms occur in partial sun and acidic, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant once established.
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Type: |
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Origins: |
China and Japan |
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Height: |
6’ - 10’ |
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Spread: |
6’ - 8’ |
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Spacing: |
7’ |
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USDA Hardiness Zone: |
7 - 9 |
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Culture: |
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Bloom Color: |
Red |
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Season of Interest: |
MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Medium maintenance. Too much water retention can increase susceptibility to fungal diseases, including root rot, black mold, blight, canker, anthracnose, and leaf spots. Watch for aphids and spider mites. Yellowing leaves indicate acidity too low. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer. If desired, remove all but one bud from each cluster to increase the size of the flower. Prune immediately after flowering.
LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Naturalized Areas, Screening, Foundation Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.
COMPANION PLANTS: Honeysuckle, Japanese Painted Fern, Lungwort
IMAGES: I, BS Thurner Hof, Camelia japonica 'Royal Velvet' 2006-05-03 046, CC BY-SA 3.0, (2) juantiagues, Camelia2212 (8483053125), CC BY-SA 2.0, (3) juantiagues, Camelia2389 (9419365603), CC BY-SA 2.0
*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.
