Camellia japonica ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ – Spectacular Crimson Camellia with Luxurious Peony-Form Blooms
Camellia japonica ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ is one of the finest red-flowering camellias, producing exceptionally large, richly coloured peony-form blooms that bring dramatic colour to the garden from late winter into spring. Its luxurious flowers are among the largest of any Camellia japonica, making this variety a true showpiece.
The magnificent blooms are a rich velvety crimson-red, with layers of gently ruffled petals surrounding golden stamens hidden within the centre. Their bold colour contrasts beautifully with the glossy, dark green evergreen foliage, creating a striking display that brightens the garden when little else is in flower.
Its naturally upright, rounded habit makes ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ an excellent specimen shrub for woodland gardens, acid-loving borders, and sheltered courtyards. It also thrives in large containers, bringing year-round elegance to patios and entrances.
Beyond its spectacular flowers, the dense evergreen foliage provides structure and interest throughout every season. Hardy, reliable, and long-lived, this camellia rewards gardeners with increasingly impressive floral displays as it matures.
Thriving in partial shade, it prefers moist, humus-rich, acidic, well-drained soil. A sheltered position away from cold, drying winds and early morning winter sun helps protect flower buds and prolong flowering.
Elegant, vigorous, and richly coloured, Camellia japonica ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ is a superb choice for adding luxurious blooms and evergreen beauty to the spring garden.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Winter
Large flower buds develop, promising a spectacular early display.
Late Winter–Spring
Huge peony-form crimson-red flowers bloom over many weeks.
Summer
Glossy evergreen foliage provides structure and a lush backdrop.
Autumn
Dense foliage remains attractive while next season's flower buds mature.
Why Grow Camellia 'Kramer's Supreme'?
✔ Exceptionally large peony-form crimson-red flowers
✔ Flowers from late winter into spring
✔ Glossy evergreen foliage all year round
✔ Outstanding specimen shrub or container plant
✔ Long-lived and easy to maintain
✔ One of the finest red-flowering camellias
Perfect For
- Woodland gardens
- Acid-loving borders
- Feature planting
- Large patio containers
- Japanese-style gardens
- Sheltered courtyards
Planting & Care Guide
Position: Partial shade or dappled shade; avoid early morning sun on frozen flower buds.
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, acidic, well-drained soil.
Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout most of the UK.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment and dry periods. Use rainwater where possible in alkaline areas.
Pruning: Lightly prune after flowering if required to maintain shape or remove damaged branches.
Ultimate Size: Approximately 2–3m tall and 2–2.5m wide.
Looks Great With
- Pieris japonica
- Rhododendron
- Azalea
- Skimmia japonica
- Acer palmatum
- Fatsia japonica
Camellia japonica ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ is an outstanding evergreen shrub that combines enormous crimson-red blooms with glossy evergreen foliage, delivering exceptional beauty, structure, and colour from late winter into spring.