Camellia Japonica Blood of China

Camellia Japonica Blood of China is an evergreen camellia with abundant bright red ruffled flowers in April. It prefers a warm position, acidic soil, and looks good all year round.

Camellia Japonicas are evergreen shrubs with thick leaves that originate from Japan, China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Camellia Japonica has a rich history appearing on Chinese ceramics dating back to the 11^th century and appearing in Europe in the 18^th century when Robert James of Essex brought the first living camelia back in 1739.

There are many varieties of Camellia Japonica that have been bred in the intervening years. Blood of China is prized for its 10-12 cms bright vivid red flowers and vibrant yellow stamens. Its flowers are similar to ruffled peony blooms with a network of darker veins and ocasionally white blotches on the inner petals.  

It’s an evergreen shrub with typical pointed oval-shaped leaves that remain on the plant throughout winter and are joined by fresh light green foliage in spring. New foliage matures to match the darker established leaves across the summer.

This is a stunning camelia with blood-red flowers and a must for lovers of intense colour.

Height And Spread of Camellia Japonica Blood of China
Camellia Blood of China will reach a maximum height and spread of 4 metres over 10-20 years, but can be kept smaller if it’s pruned annually.

How Hardy Is Camellia Japonica Blood of China
This is a hardy shrub if its roots are well-drained. New buds may require protection from harsh frosts in early spring.

How To Use Camellia Japonica Blood of China
This is a low maintenance red-flowering camellia for a mixed border in country cottage style gardens or an urban courtyard. Its evergreen foliage brings year-round interest and its blast of intense red in spring heralds the coming summer.

It suits rock or gravel gardens too and will grow in a well-watered container on a sheltered balcony, patio, or deck.

If you want a fuss-free shrub that looks good all year round and suits the majority of planting styles Camellia Blood of China is an excellent choice.

How to Care For Camellia Japonica Blood of China
Camellia Japonica are woodland plants that need full shade or partial sun to thrive because direct sunlight burns foliage and prevents flowering. Blood of China prefers acidic soil so fill the planting hole with plenty of pine or bracken-based compost and if you’re growing in a plant pot or container use ericaceous compost.

Pruning isn’t required, but you can remove wayward branches or shorten its height after the flowers are spent in mid to late spring.

The buds may need some protection from late frosts. If a frost is forecast in early spring cover the whole shrub with horticultural fleece to ensure the buds are not damaged.

Use an acidic mulch each year to boost soil nutrients and water well until it’s fully established.

Interested in Camelias? Lots more info on our blog post: Camellias in Britain - an informal history.