Camellia Japonica Francesco Ferruccio

Camellia Japonica Francesco Ferruccio is an evergreen flowering shrub with deep red flowers in spring. It suits borders, well-watered plant containers, and prefers acidic soil.

Camellia Japonica are native to the mountainous regions of the Far East including China, Korea, Taiwan and Japan and have appeared on ceramics since at least the 11th century. The first camellia was brought to Europe in the 1730s and they’ve been bred in many different forms and cultivars since.

Camellia Japonica Francesco Ferruccio is an old cultivar that was cultivated in Italy in the first half of the 1800s and it’s become hard to find in the UK. It has typical deep glossy green foliage that remains on the plant year-round and sprouts new light green foliage in mid-spring. Its new foliage matures over the summer months to match its established leaves. Before this new foliage arrives, mid-sized double deep red flowers emerge with almost crimson petals that are smaller in the centre. Camellia Francesco Ferruccio is a must for lovers of red flowers. 

Height And Spread of Camellia Japonica Francesco Ferruccio
Camellia Francesco Ferruccio will reach 2 - 3 metres in height and spread but it can be kept smaller with a yearly prune.

How Hardy Is Camellia Japonica Francesco Ferruccio
This is a hardy shrub if its roots are well-drained. It needs a partially shady spot and new buds may require protection from harsh frosts in early spring.

How To Use Camellia Japonica Francesco Ferruccio
Camellia Francesco Ferruccio suits rock or gravel gardens, mixed acidic borders, and low maintenance gardens. Its evergreen structure and deep red flowers suit both country style and urban gardens. If you have a dull balcony, deck, or patio this hardy and intensely coloured camellia will brighten it up year-round in well-watered and fed containers.

This is a hard-to-find camellia and a great gift for camellia lovers or gardeners who like rare plants.

How To Care For Camellia Japonica Francesco Ferruccio
All camellias prefer acidic soil and their foliage may turn chlorotic and yellow on chalk. If your garden is alkaline, it’s best to grow camellias in a large container of ericaceous compost.
Camellia Japonicas are mountainous woodland plants that need shade or partial sun to thrive because direct sunlight burns their foliage and prevents flowering. Choose a spot that’s free from frost, harsh drying winds, and direct midday sun and it will thrive.
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.
Each year use bracken or pine-based mulch to boost soil nutrients and be sure to water it well until it’s fully established. Container grown camellias need water and food throughout the spring and summer months.