Here's a detailed description of the Camellia flower plant:

🌸 Camellia Flower Plant Description
Scientific Name: Camellia japonica (most common species)
Family: Theaceae (Tea family)
Origin: Native to eastern and southern Asia, particularly China, Korea, and Japan

🌿 General Characteristics
Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree

Height: Typically 6–12 feet (1.8–3.6 m), but can grow taller in ideal conditions

Leaves: Glossy, dark green, leathery, and serrated edges

Flowers: Large, showy blooms ranging from 2 to 5 inches (5 to 12 cm) wide

Colors: Shades of white, pink, red, and sometimes yellow (rare); some bicolored or variegated varieties

Blooming Season: Late fall to early spring (depending on species and climate)

🌼 Flowers
Shape: Can be single, semi-double, or double in form

Petals: Rounded, overlapping petals that create a rose-like or peony-like appearance

Fragrance: Usually mild or scentless, though some varieties are lightly fragrant

Longevity: Blooms last for several weeks; some varieties bloom for up to 4 months

🌱 Growing Conditions
Light: Partial shade (morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal)

Soil: Acidic (pH 5.5–6.5), well-drained, rich in organic matter

Water: Needs consistent moisture; dislikes soggy soil

Temperature: Prefers mild climates; sensitive to extreme cold or heat

USDA Zones: 7–9 (some cold-hardy varieties can survive in Zone 6)

🍃 Maintenance
Pruning: After flowering to shape and remove dead wood

Fertilizing: Use acid-loving plant fertilizer in early spring and midsummer

Pests/Diseases: Susceptible to aphids, scale, tea scale, and root rot if overwatered

🌸 Popular Species & Varieties
Camellia japonica – Large blooms, glossy leaves; classic ornamental species

Camellia sasanqua – Smaller flowers, earlier bloom, more sun-tolerant

Camellia reticulata – Huge flowers, often used in hybridization