SCIENTIFIC NAME: Camellia japonica 'April Dawn'

COMMON NAME: April Dawn Camellia

GARDEN SIZE: 5-8 ft. tall x 3-4 ft. wide

GROWTH RATE: Slow to moderate compared with other camellias. In general, camellias are slow-growing plants and can take 10-20 years to reach their full size, depending on their environment.

USDA ZONE: 6-9

EXPOSURE: Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. Here in Tennessee toward the northern edge of their range, camellias prefer to be sheltered by at least one wall.

WATER & SOIL: Well-drained soil; Average water requirements

HABIT (FORM): Upright, rounded shrub

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Glossy green

FLOWERS: White, formal double blooms striped with streaks of bright pink. The genetics that cause the variegation are somewhat unstable, so over time you may begin to see solid pink flowers.

FLOWER SIZE: 3-4 inches

BLOOM TIME: Mid to late spring

PLANT ORIGIN: China, Korea, and parts of Japan

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Flowers may feed pollinators in the very early spring and/or fall, but it is not a host for local wildlife.

FERTILIZING: Fertilize with a bloom booster fertilizer two seasons before they bloom (in fall for spring bloomers and in spring for fall bloomers).

PRUNING: Not necessary. If desired for shaping, you may prune right after blooming.

ASPCA Toxicity flags (see their site for details): Camellias are generally non-toxic; however, Camellia sinensis contains caffeine and should be handled with caution around pets.

USES: Ornamental specimen