The Name Says it All

When your Spring's Promise Camellia (Camellia japonica 'Spring's Promise') is in full bloom, spring can't be far away! Bursting with red flowers that are 3 to 4 inches across, Spring's Promise Camellia blooms during winter -- a time when most plants in your landscape are waiting for warmer weather before their flowers make an appearance. You'll want to place this evergreen shrub in a prominent spot to brighten your winter landscape, such as at your home's entrance or around your porch, patio or deck. These key locations will also allow you to enjoy a second bonus -- sweetly scented flowers.

A Camellia that Pushes the Cold-Hardiness Envelope
Camellias have long graced Southern yards, but Northern gardeners are typically unable to grow this warmer-climate shrub. Spring's Promise Camellia is the answer because of its uncharacteristic winter hardiness compared to other camellias. If you live in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 9, this is the camellia for you!

Planting and Care

1. Planting: Plant in an area with partial sun (4 to 6 hours of sun daily) area that has well-drained soil.

You can amend the soil with peat moss, compost or humus to feed the Camellia’s root system, though it will adapt to a number of soil types.

Dig your hole about 2 inches shorter than the depth of the root ball and 2 feet wider than the width. Place your Camellia, backfill your hole until the root system is completely covered and mound the soil over the top. Water thoroughly to settle the roots. Adding mulch around your Camellia will help the soil retain moisture, regulate temperature and prevent weeds from growing.

Your Camellia can also be container-planted – simply select a pot that’s twice the size of your plant’s shipped container and ensure it has drainage holes. Use an organic soil mix, place your plant and water until you see it flowing from the drainage holes.

2. Watering: Feel the soil under the layer of mulch every few days. If the soil is dry, water and allow the water to soak into the soil as you pour. In cooler, moist weather, you may not need to water for weeks. During the blooming season, you can increase the watering to encourage fuller blossoms.

For container-planted Camellias, check the soil about 2 or 3 inches down. Then, water until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot.

3. Fertilizing: Fertilize your Camellia in the spring, using a soluble fertilizer for acid-loving plants once or twice a month in spring and mid-summer.

4. Pruning: After your blooming season has ended, remove any dead or weak wood (a gray tinge to the bark is an easy way to identify dead branches). Shorten lower limbs to encourage more upright growth.

Camellias also like to "breathe." Plant your Spring's Promise Camellia far enough away from the walls of your house and other plants so the air freely circulates around it.

Order your Spring's Promise Camellia today!