Camellia Midnight

A beautiful camellia with deep red flowers for the larger garden, Camellia japonica Midnight is a large, evergreen shrub with an upright, bushy habit. The ovate leaves are glossy, deep green, with finely toothed edges. Large, deep red, semi-double to anemone-form flowers, with golden stamens, to 12cm across are borne in early spring. Camellia Midnight must have decidedly acid soil, and should be planted away from cold, drying winds and early morning sun, or thawing after frosts may damage the buds and flowers. Needs little pruning, apart from removal of wayward shoots after flowering, and dead-heading.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any moist but well-drained, or well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil
Position: Light or partial shade
Season of interest: Early spring
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 13-26 (4-8m) Spread: 13-26 (4-8m) in 10-20 years