Camellia Japonica Blood Of China 5 Litre Pot

Camellia japonica ‘Blood of China’ – Rich Red Spring-Flowering Camellia

Camellia japonica ‘Blood of China’ is a bold and elegant evergreen shrub, admired for its dramatic deep red blooms and glossy, dark green foliage. Flowering in early to mid-spring, it provides vibrant colour at a time when few shrubs are in bloom. With its dense, rounded habit and long lifespan, it makes an excellent feature for borders, woodland gardens, or large containers.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring: Large, semi-double flowers in rich blood-red open in abundance, contrasting beautifully with glossy evergreen leaves.

• Summer: Dense, dark green foliage provides structure and shade.

• Autumn: Buds swell, promising another display the following year.

• Winter: Evergreen canopy maintains interest and form in the bare garden.

Key Features

• Deep blood-red blooms – Richly coloured flowers stand out in spring.

• Evergreen foliage – Glossy, dark green leaves add year-round structure.

• Early flowering – Brightens gardens when little else is in bloom.

• Hardy and reliable – Performs well in sheltered UK gardens.

• Long-lived – A dependable shrub that matures gracefully over decades.

Perfect For

• Borders and beds – Adds height, structure, and spring colour.

• Containers – Thrives in large pots with ericaceous compost.

• Woodland gardens – Ideal for dappled shade under trees.

• Formal planting – Works well with clipped evergreens in structured gardens.

Growing Tips

• Sun/Position: Best in partial shade; protect from morning sun to avoid bud scorch.

• Soil: Requires acidic, moist, well-drained soil or ericaceous compost in containers.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK in sheltered locations.

• Care: Water with rainwater if possible. Mulch annually to conserve moisture. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.

Looks Great With

• Rhododendrons and Azaleas – Share similar soil needs and flowering times.

• Pieris – Adds contrasting white or pink flowers in spring.

• Evergreen ferns – Provide textural contrast beneath.

• Spring bulbs – Snowdrops or Crocus extend the seasonal display.

Camellia japonica ‘Blood of China’ is a refined, hardy shrub that delivers rich red blooms in spring and evergreen elegance year-round. Perfect for borders, woodland settings, or containers, it offers timeless charm and reliable colour in shaded gardens.