SCIENTIFIC NAME: Camellia japonica 'Korean Fire'

COMMON NAME: Korean Fire Camellia

GARDEN SIZE: 10-15 ft. tall x 5-8 ft. wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate to fast 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 shrub

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Glossy green

FLOWERS: Bright red, single blooms with gold stamens, resembling a hummingbird feeder

FLOWER SIZE: 2.5-4 inches

BLOOM TIME: Spring

PLANT ORIGIN: Camellia japonica originates in China, Korea, and parts of Japan. The 'Korean Fire' cultivar was originally harvested from a wild population near the border between North and South Korea.

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