Camellia japonica 'Blood of China' – A Striking Evergreen Shrub with Rich Red Blooms
Camellia japonica 'Blood of China' is an exceptional evergreen shrub known for its vibrant, deep red flowers and glossy, dark green foliage. The bold, rich red blooms, with their large, semi-double petals, make a dramatic statement in the garden, especially during the winter and early spring months when few other plants are in bloom. This Camellia variety’s striking color, combined with its elegant form and year-round interest, makes it an ideal choice for gardens of all sizes, from formal landscapes to smaller container plantings.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
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Spring: The deep red, semi-double flowers begin to open in late winter and continue to bloom throughout early spring, providing a burst of color when most other plants are still dormant.
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Summer: The plant’s glossy evergreen leaves provide a lush, dark green backdrop throughout the warmer months, maintaining a beautiful and tidy appearance.
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Autumn: The foliage remains vibrant and healthy, adding texture and structure to the garden as other plants begin to fade.
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Winter: 'Blood of China' shines during the colder months, offering its brilliant red blooms and glossy evergreen leaves, brightening up even the darkest corners of the garden.
Structure & Form
Camellia japonica 'Blood of China' grows to a height of 2.5-4m with a similar spread, forming a dense, rounded shape. Its compact form makes it ideal for both smaller gardens and larger landscapes, while its vibrant red flowers offer an eye-catching contrast against the dark green foliage. The evergreen nature of this Camellia ensures year-round interest, providing structure and beauty even in winter.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Formal Gardens: With its bold red blooms and elegant form, 'Blood of China' is perfect for formal garden settings where structure and symmetry are important.
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Foundation Plantings: This Camellia makes an excellent choice for foundation plantings, adding color and elegance around the base of a house or structure.
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Mixed Borders: Its striking red flowers pair beautifully with early-blooming perennials and other flowering shrubs, making it a standout in mixed borders.
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Container Planting: Due to its compact size, 'Blood of China' is ideal for container planting on patios or terraces, offering a splash of colour even in urban or limited-space gardens.
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Wildlife Gardens: While primarily valued for its ornamental beauty, this Camellia can also offer shelter and protection for small birds and wildlife during the colder months.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Prefers partial shade to full sun, with some protection from harsh afternoon sunlight. It thrives best in areas with morning sun and afternoon shade.
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Soil: Prefers slightly acidic, well-drained, fertile soil. It tolerates a variety of soil types, but proper drainage is key to preventing root rot.
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Hardiness: Hardy, making it suitable for temperate climates. Light frosts may not harm it, but extreme cold may require protection.
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Maintenance: This Camellia is relatively low-maintenance. Light pruning can be done after blooming to shape the plant or remove any dead or damaged growth. Mulch around the base of the plant in late fall to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
Why Choose Camellia japonica 'Blood of China'?
With its vibrant, deep red blooms, glossy evergreen leaves, and compact form, Camellia 'Blood of China' is a standout choice for any garden. This stunning shrub offers dramatic colour and elegance, making it an excellent addition to shaded or partially shaded areas. Its long blooming period in late winter to early spring provides valuable seasonal interest, and its evergreen nature ensures beauty throughout the year.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Spring Bulbs: Combine with early bloomers like Daffodils, Hyacinths, or Crocus for a burst of colour that extends the blooming season.
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Azaleas and Rhododendrons: Pair with other acid-loving shrubs for a lush, coordinated garden design.
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Ferns: Underplant with ferns like Japanese Painted Fern or Lady Fern to complement the evergreen foliage and add texture.
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Hostas: Pair with Hostas for additional foliage contrast and visual interest in shaded areas.
Camellia japonica 'Blood of China' is a beautiful and versatile evergreen shrub that will add vibrant color, structure, and elegance to any landscape. With its bold red blooms, glossy foliage, and minimal care requirements, this Camellia is perfect for gardens, patios, and containers, making a statement year after year. Whether planted as a focal point, in borders, or as a container specimen, 'Blood of China' is sure to be a favorite in your garden for seasons to come.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
