Camellia japonica 'Mrs Charles Cobb' is a magnificent evergreen shrub of great presence and character, celebrated for its deeply rich, velvety flowers in a warm and intense crimson-red. Flowering reliably from late winter through to spring, this outstanding variety produces a lavish and deeply satisfying display at a time when bold colour in the garden is most keenly appreciated. Stately, robust, and full of personality, 'Mrs Charles Cobb' is a camellia that commands attention wherever it is grown.

The blooms are semi-double to peony-form in character, with broad, generously sized petals of a deep, glowing crimson arranged with a natural, slightly informal grace around a prominent and attractive cluster of golden stamens. Their rich colouring has a velvety depth that intensifies in cool conditions, and they are produced in impressive abundance along the branches throughout the flowering season. Set against the plant's deep, polished evergreen foliage, the effect is one of striking contrast and dramatic beauty.

'Mrs Charles Cobb' develops into a vigorous, upright, and well-branched shrub of handsome proportions, making it an exceptional specimen plant for sheltered borders, woodland gardens, and acid-loving planting schemes. Its strong constitution and generous flowering nature also make it a highly rewarding choice for large containers, where its bold crimson blooms can be appreciated at close range on patios and in sheltered courtyard gardens.

Beyond the spectacle of its seasonal flowering, the dense, lustrous evergreen canopy provides valuable year-round structure and an elegant, weed-suppressing presence throughout the garden. Hardy, long-lived, and increasingly floriferous as it matures, 'Mrs Charles Cobb' grows more impressive with every passing year, rewarding patient gardeners with an ever richer and more abundant display.

Like all camellias, 'Mrs Charles Cobb' thrives in a sheltered position in partial or dappled shade, with protection from cold, drying winds and early morning winter sun, which can scorch newly opened blooms on frosty mornings. It performs best in moist, humus-rich, well-drained, acidic soil and benefits greatly from an annual mulch of composted bark or leaf mould to retain moisture and nourish the roots.

Dramatic, generous, and deeply beautiful, Camellia japonica 'Mrs Charles Cobb' is a superb choice for gardeners seeking a bold, richly coloured camellia of real substance and enduring garden presence.

Seasonal Beauty & Growth

Winter

Plump, well-developed flower buds sit prominently against the deep, glossy evergreen foliage, promising the rich and dramatic display to come.

Late Winter–Spring

Sumptuous crimson-red semi-double to peony-form flowers open in generous profusion, their velvety petals glowing warmly against the dark evergreen leaves.

Summer

Deep, lustrous evergreen foliage provides rich structure and a handsome, polished green presence throughout the growing season.

Autumn

The dense, glossy canopy remains attractive and weed-suppressing while new flower buds quietly form in readiness for the following season's display.

Why Grow Camellia 'Mrs Charles Cobb'?

✔ Sumptuous crimson-red blooms of exceptional depth and velvety richness
✔ Semi-double to peony-form flowers with attractive golden stamens
✔ Long flowering season from late winter through into spring
✔ Vigorous, upright habit — outstanding as a specimen or feature shrub
✔ Glossy dark evergreen foliage with year-round garden appeal
✔ Excellent for large containers, borders, and woodland planting
✔ Increasingly floriferous and rewarding as it establishes and matures
✔ Hardy and reliable in sheltered UK gardens

Perfect For

Woodland and dappled shade gardens
Acid-loving shrub borders
Feature and specimen planting
Large patio and courtyard containers
Sheltered walled gardens
Japanese-style and formal garden schemes
Bold colour planting designs

Planting & Care Guide

Position: Partial shade or dappled shade; shelter from cold, drying winds and avoid early morning sun on frost-touched buds and blooms. A west- or north-facing sheltered wall or fence is ideal.

Soil: Moist, humus-rich, acidic, well-drained soil. Mulch annually with composted bark or leaf mould to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and gently feed the roots.

Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout most of the UK in a sheltered position, though young plants benefit from protection during prolonged hard frosts.

Watering: Water regularly during establishment and prolonged dry spells. Use collected rainwater where tap water is hard or alkaline, as camellias