Camellia transnokoensis

Camellia transnokoensis is a rustic botanical shrub, quite charming, that deserves to be better known. With its rose-topped buds that open into tiny, slightly fragrant white flowers, its lovely airy habit, and its young shoots tinged with copper and bronze, this little wonder will seduce even those detractors who normally find camellias a bit too ornate. The bush, attractive even outside of its winter flowering period, will keep its beautiful dark and glossy foliage throughout the year. Definitely worth a try, either alone in the garden or in an attractive pot on the terrace in very cold regions.

Camellia transnokoensis is a botanical species native to the forests of the central mountains of Taiwan, especially on the rocky slopes of Mount Noko, which gave it its species name. In nature, it forms a beautiful bush that can exceed 7m (23 ft) in height, but it will remain smaller in our climates. Like all camellias, it belongs to the family of Theaceae. Its hardiness is around -12°C (10.4 °F) (USDA zone 8).

This bush, with a flexible habit, slightly wider than tall, shows rather slow growth. It will reach an average of 1.2m (4 ft) in all directions after 10 years. In very favourable (e.g. warm coastal) regions, it can reach 2m (6-7 ft) in height and 2.2m (7 ft) in width. The flower buds are already well coloured with pink at Christmas, but will only open from January-February to March-April. Very numerous, the flowers are gathered in small clusters in the axils of the leaves along the branches. Each one measures about 4cm (1.6 in) in diameter, and is composed of 5 pure white petals arranged in a cup around a heart of golden stamens. The fragrance of the flowers is light. The dense foliage is evergreen, the small leaves are thick, ovate, and taper to a point, finely toothed along the edges. They measure about 4cm (1.6 in) long. Their colour is between mahogany and bronze when they emerge, then they take on a greenish, quite dark, and shiny hue at maturity.

Like all camellias, Camellia transnokoensis performs better in mild and humid climates than in cold regions, where its hardiness may be compromised and its flowering destroyed by severe frosts. It appreciates partially shaded areas but tolerates morning or evening sun. Wherever the winter is relatively mild, it can be planted in the garden alone or combined with other acid-loving plants (Rhododendron, azaleas, Hydrangea, Hamamelis, Pieris...) in a shrub bed. Its somewhat wild appearance and delicate flowering are wonderful in a natural or cottage garden, with e.g. a Chimonanthus praecox or Japanese maple. You can also plant spring bulbs (daffodils, tulips, wood hyacinths) or autumn bulbs, such as colchicums or cyclamen, around its base. In cold regions, it can be planted in a container on the balcony or terrace, and brought inside during the flowering period to a conservatory or cold greenhouse.