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.

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At 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.

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