Camellia japonica Sanpei Tsubaki

Camellia 'Sanpei Tsubaki' is a variety of camellia from Japan that is not widely available in horticultural trade and is distinguished by the early flowering, generosity, and unusual colour of its single flowers. It produces, sometimes as early as the end of December, numerous flowers of modest size, but of a beautiful orchid pink colour veined with a darker shade of pink, edged with white and centred on a beautiful cluster of golden stamens. This bush has moderate growth and beautiful dark and glossy foliage, attractive throughout the year. Plant this marvel in partial shade, out in the garden or in a container, in a light, acidic soil that remains moist. 

Camellia 'Sanpei Tsubaki', introduced in Japan in the early 1960s, belongs to the family of Theaceae. It is a slow-growing shrub with a bushy and erect habit, deep rooting, reaching about1.2 m (3 ft) in height and 80 cm (2.6 in) in width in 10 years under good growing conditions. At the age of 15-20 years, it will measure about 1.5 m (5 ft) in height. From January to April, earlier or later depending on the climate, it produces numerous flowers measuring 6 to 8 cm (3 in) in diameter. They are composed of a corolla with 6 to 7 rounded and wide petals, with a gradient of deeper pink towards the base, lighter at the edges. Each petal is delicately outlined with a white border. The numerous stamens, gathered in a column, are very visible in the centre of the flower. Its foliage is evergreen, with large elliptical and wavy leaves, 10 cm (4 in) long and 5 cm (2 in) wide, finely toothed at the edges, they are leathery, slightly olive green, and glossy on the top. While this bush is hardy down to -15°C (5 °F) in the ground, its flowering may be compromised in case of snow, freezing wind, and temperatures below -5°C (23 °F).

The Japanese Camellia 'Sanpei Tsubaki' prefers mild and humid climates and thrives better in coastal regions, in acidic, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. It will tolerate full sun in favourable climates, but will give its best in partial shade, protected from scorching sun and sheltered from strong winds. It can be planted e.g. in a shrub border, together with other acid-loving plants like Rhododendrons,  Azaleas, Cornus Kousa , Japanese maples or even Kalmia Latifolia. But it would be a shame to drown this charming variety in a mass 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 under cover during very cold winters.