SCIENTIFIC NAME: Camellia japonica 'April Remembered'

COMMON NAME: April Remembered Ice Angels Camellia

GARDEN SIZE: 8-10 ft. tall x 6-8 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, slightly weeping

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Glossy green

FLOWERS: Blush pink, semi-double blooms that fade to white at their centers, accentuated by bright gold stamens

FLOWER SIZE: 4-5 inches

BLOOM TIME: Early to late spring

PLANT ORIGIN: Camellia japonica originates in China, Korea, and parts of Japan. The 'April Remembered' cultivar was introduced by Dr. Clifford Park in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

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