Camellia Botanyuki

An evergreen shrub with a dense, bushy and upright habit, Camellia Botanyuki is a variety with very small cream-white flowers with salmon undertones, and shiny dark green foliage.

Of medium size, Camellia Botanyuki grows to around 1m (3ft) in both height and width. Its semi-double peony-shaped flowers have a diameter of 8cm and are composed of 13 to 20 petals. The floral buds are peachy pink, turning cream-white with salmon undertones. The flowering period is quite early, from February to April. Its leaves are dark green and shiny, of ovoid shape, rigid and alternate on short petioles. The lamina is elliptical and oblong, measuring from 5 to 12cm (2 to 5in) in length and from 2.5 to 6cm (2.4in) in width. The undersides of the leaves are pale green with brown spots.

Hardy down to -15°C, Camellia Botanyuki thrives in a light, humus-rich soil, preferably acidic. Pure ericaceous soil is not recommended for it, but adding leaf compost will be greatly appreciated. Avoid poorly drained areas and make sure the soil is limestone-free. In mild and humid climates it can tolerate all exposures; in very sunny and dry climates it is best to plant it in partial shade or dappled shade. Camellia Botanyuki appreciates sheltered locations away from strong winds and spring frosts. Planting it at the base of a wall or fence usually yields good results. To keep the soil moist and protect the roots from excessive heat, it is advisable to apply a layer of mulch around the base of the bush.

To keep it company, plant in a bed alongside other acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas or viburnums. Or else as a standalone specimen on a lawn, in a pot on the terrace, or in the shade of large trees. Planting euphorbias or hellebores at the base of camellias will be appreciated in winter.

The name Camellia was given to the plant in 1735 by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus, in honour of Georg Josef Kamel (Latinized as "Camellus"), an apothecary in the service of the Jesuits in the Philippines in the late 17th century. This Camellia is a hybrid resulting from a Japanese creation by Susumu Ishizawa in 1958.