Camellia japonica is one of Japan’s most famous ornamental plants. This guide includes identification features, bark, flowers, fruits, and photographs taken in Japan.
Overview
| Item | Description |
| Scientific Name | Camellia japonica |
| Common Name | Japanese Camellia |
| Japanese Name | Tsubaki |
| Family | Theaceae |
| Native Range | Camellia japonica is native to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and parts of eastern China. In Japan it occurs naturally in warm coastal forests from Honshu southward through Shikoku, Kyushu, and the Ryukyu Islands. |
| Plant Type | Evergreen shrub or small tree |
| Height | 2–10 m |
| Flowering season | Winter to Spring |
What Is a Camellia japonica?
・Camellia japonica is one of Japan’s oldest ornamental flowering trees and has long been associated with traditional tea ceremonies.
・During the Edo period, many cultivars were developed by crossing it with the snow camellia (Camellia rusticana).
・In Europe, it became known as the “Winter Rose,” and extensive breeding programs were carried out following its introduction by the Jesuit missionary Georg Joseph Kamel.
Identification Features
Leaves
・The leaves of Camellia japonica are elliptic to oblong, with pointed tips and finely serrated margins. They are typically 5–11 cm (2–4 in) long and 3–8 cm (1–3 in) wide, and are arranged alternately along the branches. The leaves are hairless on both surfaces and remain glossy throughout the year.
・Although the leaves are not edible, there is a long-standing tradition in some regions of Japan, camellia leaves have traditionally been used to wrap mochi and sushi as a way of celebrating the arrival of spring.
・In Japan, the tree is known as tsubaki, a name believed to derive from the ancient word tsuba, meaning “gloss” or “shine.” Its lustrous evergreen leaves and remarkable tolerance of winter conditions have long symbolized vitality, and the tree is sometimes regarded as sacred.
Bark
・The bark of Camellia japonica is generally smooth, although older trees may develop fine fissures and subtle patterns. The wood is dense, hard, and highly durable. In ancient Japan, it was used for tool handles and other everyday implements. Archaeological excavations at the Torihama Shell Midden in Fukui Prefecture have uncovered combs made from camellia wood, indicating its use since prehistoric times.
・The polished wood of Camellia japonica has a fine texture and an attractive luster similar to that of boxwood, although it has traditionally been regarded as less valuable. Even today, camellia wood is used to make combs, shogi pieces, seals, and a variety of other small wooden items.
Flowers
・Camellia japonica blooms from autumn to spring, typically from October to April. The flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils near the tips of the branches and measure about 5–7 cm (2–3 in) in diameter. Most wild forms have five red or white petals that open in a shallow cup shape rather than spreading flat. Unlike the closely related sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua) or the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), the flowers rarely open completely. This restrained elegance has long been admired in Japan, where camellias are often used in traditional tea ceremony flower arrangements.
・The numerous stamens are fused together at their bases to form a tube, which is also attached to the petals. As a result, the entire flower often drops intact after flowering, a characteristic that distinguishes Camellia japonica from sasanqua. According to a popular tradition, some samurai regarded this trait as inauspicious because the falling flower was said to resemble a severed head.
・Camellia flowers produce abundant nectar and attract pollinating birds such as the Japanese white-eye and the brown-eared bulbul. The flowers are also eaten by Japanese macaques and other wildlife. In some regions of Japan, the petals are used as a seasonal ingredient and can be prepared as tempura. Traditionally, fallen flowers were also collected and boiled to produce natural dyes in delicate shades of pink and gray.
Seeds
・The fruit of Camellia japonica ripens in autumn and forms a woody capsule about 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter. Each capsule typically contains three to five seeds. Oil extracted from the seeds, commonly known as camellia oil, is rich in oleic acid and has long been valued in Japan for a wide range of uses. It is used in cooking, including as a frying oil for tempura, as a traditional hair-care product, in skincare applications, and for various industrial purposes. In the past, camellia oil was even celebrated as a remedy believed to promote longevity and good health.
・The fruit husks can also be used as a natural dye, producing soft yellowish-brown to pale grayish-brown shades.
Camellia japonica Varieties
・There are over 500 varieties of camellias, and the following are only a few of them. The representative variety of camellia is Wabisuke, which is characterized by nodding, half-open flowers, short stamens in young seedlings, and a curved pistil (style).
Camellia japonica– Growing Conditions
| USDA Hardiness Zones | ・Zones 7–9 ・Some cultivars survive in Zone 6 with protection |
| Light Requirements | ・Partial shade is ideal ・Morning sun and afternoon shade preferred ・Avoid intense afternoon sun in hot climates |
| Soil Requirements | ・Moist, well-drained soil ・Rich in organic matter ・Slightly acidic soil preferred (pH 5.5–6.5) |
| Watering | ・Keep soil evenly moist ・Water deeply during dry periods ・Avoid waterlogged soil |
| Additional Notes | ・ |
FAQ
How fast does Camellia japonica grow?
Camellias grow slowly to moderately, typically 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) per year.
Can camellias grow in full sun?
They can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but generally perform best in partial shade.
When does Camellia japonica bloom?
Most cultivars bloom from late winter to spring.
Are camellias evergreen?
Yes. Camellia japonica retains its leaves throughout the year.
How tall does Camellia japonica get?
Most garden plants reach 2–6 m (6–20 ft), though old specimens may become considerably larger.
Conclusion
Camellia japonica is one of Japan’s most important ornamental plants, valued for its elegant flowers, evergreen foliage, and long history in Japanese gardens. With proper care, it can remain attractive for generations.
Similar Species
Camellia sasanqua
・Smaller flowers
・Earlier flowering season
・Petals fall individually
Camellia rusticana
・More cold-hardy
・Native to snowy regions of Japan