SCIENTIFIC NAME: Camellia japonica 'White by the Gate'

COMMON NAME: White by the Gate Camellia

GARDEN SIZE: 10-12 ft. tall x 6-8 ft. wide

GROWTH RATE: Slow 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: 7b-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, vigorous shrub

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Glossy green

FLOWERS: White, formal double blooms with a hint of ivory-yellow at their centers

FLOWER SIZE: 3-5 inches

BLOOM TIME: Late winter to spring

PLANT ORIGIN: Camellia japonica originates in China, Korea, and parts of Japan. The 'White by the Gate' cultivar was developed by Hyman's Nursery in Lafayette, Louisiana and recorded as early as 1956.

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