Camellia japonica ‘Debbie’ is a stunning variety of camellia known for its abundant rosy, pink blooms that appear during winter and early spring. This hardy and low-maintenance plant thrives in full shade to partial shade, making it versatile for various garden settings. With its compact form, it is perfect for use as a privacy screen, hedge, or standalone feature plant. It adds life and vibrancy to winter gardens, making it a truly beautiful camellia variety.
Product Specifications
- Common Name: Japonica Debbie
- Form: Upright, compact, shrub
- Decious / Evergreen: Evergreen
- Uses:Â Feature / Specimen, hedging, evergreen screening
- Planting Distance: 1- 1.5 meters apart for screening hedge
- Mature Height: up to 3 meters
- Mature Width: 1-2 meters
- Position: Partial shade – Full shade
- Flower Colour: Rosy pink blooms
- Flowering Period: Winter – early spring
- Foliage: Glossy dark green foliage
- Soil Type: Thrives in well-draining, well-fertilized soil
- Water Requirements: Low – medium
- Maintenance Level: Low – Medium -benefits from gentle prune and fertalizer
- Planter Suitability:Â Yes, ensure adequate room for growth
- Native: No
Commonly Asked Questions
When does Debbie Camellia’s flower?
You can expect abundant rosy pink blooms during the winter through to early spring. Deadheading camellias is optional and mainly done for cosmetic reasons. If you enjoy the appearance of a clean and tidy plant, you can remove spent flowers, but it’s not essential for the health or future blooming of the camellia.
How far apart do I plant them for a screening hedge?
Plant Debbie between 1-1.5 meters apart for a screening hedge. 2 meters apart if you would like to see the plants stand separately. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature. Understand that it may take some time for the camellias to grow and fill in the hedge. Be patient, and as the plants mature, they will create a dense and attractive hedge.
When should I fertilise my camellias?
The best time to fertilize camellias is in late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins. Fertilizing at this time provides nutrients to support new growth and flower development. It’s essential to use a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants, as camellias prefer acidic soil. Additionally, follow the recommended dosage on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plants.
When a camellia mentions “Hybrid” what does this refer to?
A hybrid camellia refers to a camellia plant that is the result of crossbreeding different species or varieties within the Camellia genus. This process of hybridization is done to combine desirable traits from the parent plants, such as improved hardiness, unique flower colors, extended blooming periods, or resistance to pests and diseases.