Camellia williamsii
Camellia williamsii · Theaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around camellia williamsii and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, glossy dark green
- Flowering
- February to April, simple or semi-double flowers in pink or white
- Mature size
- Up to 3 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Down to approximately -15 °C
- Origin
- Horticultural hybrid (Camellia japonica × Camellia saluenensis)
- Soil type
- Acidic, well-draining, rich in organic matter
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Camellia williamsii hates freeze-thaw cycles in late winter. Plant it sheltered from cold winds and morning winter sun.
The common mistake
Planting in too-sunny south-facing exposure: flowers fade quickly, buds drop, and blooming is poor.
The pro's trick
Plant it east or northeast-facing, in dappled shade under a large tree: flowers open slowly, last longer, and the plant ages better.
Care
Regular watering
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, particularly during the growth and flowering periods. Water with non-limey water if possible, as camellias prefer acidic soil. Reduce watering slightly in winter, while ensuring the soil does not dry out completely.
Light and shade
Place your camellia in partial shade, ideally under tree cover or in a sheltered location. It tolerates dappled light and prefers to avoid direct rays early in the day, which can damage the flower buds. A north or north-west facing position is often ideal.
Soil preparation
Use potting soil specialized for acid-loving plants. Enrich the soil with well-decomposed compost or peat. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root suffocation, particularly in humid regions.
Pruning and shape
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a harmonious shape and encourage branching. Remove dead or poorly positioned branches. Avoid heavy pruning, which would weaken the plant.
Plant nutrition
Apply fertilizer suitable for acid-loving plants in spring and early summer. Choose balanced formulas that are low in lime. Moderate applications are sufficient; excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Health prevention
Watch for scale insects or aphids, particularly in greenhouse conditions. Ensure good air circulation to limit fungal diseases. If problems arise, intervene quickly with environmentally friendly solutions.
Did you know?
Camellia williamsii is a remarkable hybrid created by English nurseryman J.C. Williams in the early twentieth century. Unlike many camellias, it can produce successive flowers even after some buds have fallen, which makes it particularly prized by gardeners. Its name honours its creator, a true pioneer of camellia hybridization in Britain.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- CamelliaCamellia japonica
- Tea plantCamellia sinensis
- Japanese stewartiaStewartia pseudocamellia
- Sasanqua camelliaCamellia sasanqua
- To-tsubakiCamellia reticulata
- Camellia lutchuensisCamellia lutchuensis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.