Camellia x reticulata Den Burton

The Camellia reticulata 'Den Burton' is probably a natural hybrid between two species, selected in New Zealand. Of moderate growth, it forms a relatively bushy, upright bush. Its foliage consists of very elongated, dark green leaves that provide a perfect background to enhance the flowering. The flowering starts around February and attracts admiration, as the flowers, whose shape resembles that of peonies, irresistibly catch the eye with their bright red colour. It is especially their size that fascinates, as they can reach 13 cm in diameter. This superb bush thrives in slightly acidic, moist soils, as well as in a location protected from too intense sunlight. It can also be grown in a container if the soil is not suitable.

The Camellia belongs to the Theaceae family, with the most famous member being the Camellia sinensis, whose leaves are used to produce tea. This small plant family hosts a few other ornamental plants, such as Franklinia alatamaha or Stewartia, whose flowers betray their relationship with Camellias. The Camellia is a large genus, rich according to botanical classifications with a hundred to 250 species, originating from Asia. Adored by the Japanese and many garden enthusiasts and breeders, the Camellia now comes in no less than 40,000 varieties!
'Den Burton' comes from a "chance seedling" selected in New Zealand by N. Haydon, and registered as a new variety in 1999. It is probably the result of a natural cross-breeding between the famous Camellia japonica, or Japanese Camellia (although initially cultivated in China), and the much less known Camellia reticulata. The latter is native to the predominantly subtropical Chinese provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan, where it grows to form a large bush or even a tree 10 to 15 m high, with flowers usually pink, blooming late from March to May.
'Den Burton' has a much more modest growth since, after 10 years of planting, it will reach approximately 1.60 m in height by 1 m in width. Its silhouette is distinctly upright and its habit relatively dense. Its foliage is closer to that of C. reticulata than C. japonica, with very elongated leaves, measuring 12 cm in length by only 5 cm in width. Their surface is slightly glossy, but less glossy than most Camellia japonica cultivars. Its flowering period is between February and April, placing it between early and late varieties. It produces huge flowers, 13 cm in diameter by 8 cm in height, with numerous elaborate petals that unmistakably evoke the flowers of certain peonies. They are a bright, vivid red, standing out remarkably against the dark vegetation. The petals are so numerous that they usually conceal the stamens.

The Camellia 'Den Burton' stands out for its splendid flowering that brightens the garden in late winter. Its evergreen foliage remains ornamental all year round and helps highlight other flowerings. Plant it alongside the small Magnolia stellata, whose magnificent star-shaped flowers in immaculate white will unfold at the same time, creating an unforgettable combination. Also, pair it with Rhododendrons and Azaleas, whose flowerings will follow its lead and come in a multitude of colours depending on the varieties. And to bloom your summer, choose from the vast range of Hydrangeas, such as Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Wave' with its stunning blue flat flowers.