PURPLE DAWN CAMELLIA
Camellia japonica 'Purple Dawn' + 'Mathotiana' + 'Julia Drayton'

usda plant hardiness zones: 7, 8, 9
sunset plant hardiness zones: 4-9, 14-24 [western states]
mature height: 6-8'+ x 5-6'
best known for its:
. large crimson flowers with a purplish cast
. attractive dark green foliage
. vigorous + care-free growth
. increased cold hardiness
. popularity + being an old heirloom variety
plant family + type: Theaceae: Tea family . evergreen flowering ornamental shrub
origin: Magnolia Gardens | Charleston, South Carolina | 1840's . The genus Camellia was named in 1735 by Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus - Karl von Linné (1707-1778) in posthumous honor of George Joseph Kamel (1661-1706), a Jesuit missionary and pioneer botanist serving in the Philippines. Kamel, who was born in Brünn, Moravia, Latinized his name to Camellus, hence the name. China + Japan
growth habit: evergreen, vigorous, upright, compact, slow to moderate growth rate, considered easy-to-grow and long-lived in proper habitat
flower color: crimson red with an unusual purplish cast, layered + overlapping petal arrangement [imbricated]
flower form: rose-to-formal [rose form double] - Class V
flower season: midseason to late
foliage: evergreen, dark green, shiny, leathery
preferences: partial shade, evenly moist, humus-rich; high in organic matter, acidic, well-drained (porous) soils, protection from cold, drying winter winds and direct sunlight, ample moisture, mulch layer
excellent choice for: showy winter blooms, specimen flowering accent shrub, flowering hedges and privacy screens, mixed shrub borders, shady woodlands, container gardening, cut flowers, oriental-inspired gardens, the home greenhouse in colder climates
also responds to: Purple Dawn Japanese Camellia, Mathotiana Camellia, Julia Drayton Camellia
camellia care: Plant a bit higher than usual to ensure adequate drainage. Maintain a 2-3" layer of mulch to protect shallow roots and conserve moisture. Water regularly throughout the year. Fertilize after bloom with an acid food and again in early July. Prune immediately after flowering.
our plant size: Premium Three Gallon Plant