Camellia japonica Comte de Gomer

Camellia japonica 'Comte de Gomer' is an old Italian variety of Japanese camellia that still captivates with its unusual blooms. It stands out with its double flowers that are all different, randomly streaked with carmine red on a pink background, full of freshness. They bloom in late winter and spring on a compact, upright and bushy shrub that will undoubtedly make a big impact in a large pot on the terrace or as a focal point in the garden, in partial shade, in acidic and moist soil. 

Camellia 'Comte de Gomer', obtained in Italy around 1860, belongs to the family of Theaceae. It is a bushy shrub with a slightly erect habit, almost as wide as it is tall, reaching about 1.50 m (5 ft) in height and 1.40 m (4.5 ft) in width after 10 years. From March to May-June (earlier or later depending on the climate), it produces flowers with a diameter of 6 to 7 cm (2.5 in) in the shape of peonies, with multiple overlapping petals. Each petal is more or less streaked with carmine and bright pink on a lighter pink background. The foliage, which persists all year round, consists of large elliptical leaves, 10 cm (4 in) long and 4 to 5 cm (2 in) wide, leathery, finely toothed along the edges, dark green and glossy on the upper side. While this shrub is hardy down to -12°C in the ground, its flower buds can be destroyed by snow, icy winds and temperatures below -5°C (23 °F).

Camellia japonica 'Comte de Gomer' prefers rather mild and humid climates and thrives in coastal regions, in acidic, humus-rich and well-drained soil. It will tolerate non-scorching sun in favourable climates, but it is in partial shade or even shade, protected from intense sunlight and sheltered from strong winds, that it will give its best. Plant out in a shrub border alongside other acid-loving plants such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Cornus kousa or even Kalmia latifolia. However it would be a shame to drown this exceptional variety, with its undeniable charm, in a tangle of foliage or flowers. It deserves a special place near the entrance of the house, or in a beautiful pot on the terrace, to be stored away in winter in very cold climates.