Evergreen
April Dawn camellia
Camellia japonica 'April Dawn'
‘April Dawn’ is a compact, upright camellia with evergreen foliage and spring flowers that are white with variable pink to red striping; some may be solid-colored. It generally reaches 5–8 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, giving it room to stand near a sheltered entry or along a shaded border. In Southwest Washington, choose partial shade to shade, acidic soil that stays moist yet drains well, and protection from drying winter wind and early morning sun. Water during dry summer weather to maintain moist soil through dry spells. Open flowers may be damaged by a hard frost, so a sheltered position helps preserve the display.
Ask about this plantAt a glance
- Mature height
- About 5–8 feet
- Mature spread
- About 3–4 feet
- Light
- Partial shade to shade
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 6b–9
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
The compact, upright habit fits a shaded border or sheltered entry. Allow room for an eventual spread of 3–4 feet.
Where to plant
Choose partial shade to shade with protection from drying winter wind and early morning sun. Avoid a site where the shrub will be crowded at its mature size.
Through the seasons
Spring flowers are white with variable pink to red striping; some may be solid-colored. The foliage remains evergreen.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
In Southwest Washington, water during dry summer weather. Shelter can help protect open flowers when hard frosts occur.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in moist, organic, acidic, well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged ground, which can contribute to oedema.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Maintain moist soil through dry spells, particularly in summer. If scale appears, remove egg masses or heavily infested growth where practical.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Cottony camellia scale
Cottony egg masses or brownish scales beneath leaves, sometimes with sticky residue, black sooty mold, or yellowing foliage.
Help your plant thrive
Inspect leaf undersides. Remove egg masses or heavily infested growth where practical, and avoid insecticides that harm scale predators.
Oedema
Watery blisters, usually beneath leaves, that become brown or yellowish and corky.
Help your plant thrive
Avoid waterlogged or very humid sites and maintain appropriate soil moisture. Correct wet conditions if symptoms appear.
Good gardens start with a conversation
Let’s find the right plant
for your place.
Ask our team about plant selection and current availability.





