Camellia japonica Lady Campbell

Camellia 'Lady Campbell' is a fairly old variety of Japanese camellia, but still widely planted in gardens. Vigorous, with an upright but compact habit, this bush is remarkable for its late winter blooms of bright red-pink flowers, well highlighted by particularly dark and glossy green foliage that remains attractive throughout the year. Its flowers are double, medium-sized, arranged regularly like those of certain peonies or even certain roses. The moderate growth, neat habit, and vibrant colour of this camellia allow it to be grown in a large pot on the terrace or balcony for many years, bringing much joy to the surroundings of the house when the garden is still dormant.

Camellia 'Lady Campbell', obtained in the 1930s in the USA, belongs to the family of Theaceae, like its ancestor Camellia japonica. It is a bushy upright shrub with deep roots that will reach about 1.20 m (4 ft) in height and 90 cm (35 in) in width at 10 years old. At maturity, after 15 to 20 years, it can reach 2 m (6-7 ft) in height and 1.50 m (5 ft) in width under good growing conditions. From February to April, depending on the climate, it produces numerous large double flowers, 7 to 10 cm (4 in) in diameter, with perfectly organised carmine-red petals surrounding a centre adorned with a few yellow stamens. Its foliage, evergreen in winter, consists of large elliptical leaves, 10 to 12 cm (4.7 in) long, leathery, dark green, and glossy on the upper surface. While this shrub is hardy down to -15°C (5 °F) in the ground, its flowering may be compromised by snow, icy winds, and temperatures below -5°C (23 °F).

The 'Lady Campbell' Japanese Camellia thrives in mild and humid climates and flourishes in coastal regions, in acidic, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. It will tolerate full sun in favourable climates but will perform best in partial shade, protected from scorching sun and sheltered from strong winds. It can be planted in a shrub border, alongside other acid-loving plants such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Cornus Kousa, or even Kalmia Latifolia. But it would be a shame to drown this variety in a jumble of foliage or flowers. It deserves a prominent place, near the entrance of the house or in a beautiful pot on the terrace, to be stored away in winter in cold climates.