Camellia japonica Kramers Supreme

The Camellia 'Kramer's Supreme' is an erect variety with numerous cherry red, well double, peony-shaped, fragrant flowers. It is a highly ornamental bush, especially in winter with its large solitary flowers with overlapping petals, intensely coloured, and its glossy dark green evergreen foliage. Moderately hardy and low maintenance, it is a species that particularly likes woodland environments: sheltered from cold winds, in partial shade in a rich, well-drained, neutral to acid soil that remains moist, especially during hot summer temperatures. Ideal in flower beds with other large camellias or alone in a shaded corner of the garden.

'Kramer's Supreme' Camellia belongs to the Theaceae family, like its ancestor the Camellia japonica. It is an erect to compact bush with deep roots, reaching about 4m (13 ft) in height and 2m (6.5 ft) in spread at maturity, with a medium growth rate. From February to April it produces an abundance of very large, double, silky-petaled, intense cherry red flowers. Its evergreen foliage is composed of large elliptical leaves, 10 to 12cm (4.7 in) long, leathery, dark green and glossy on the upper side. While this bush is hardy down to -15°C (5 °F) in the ground, its flowering may be compromised by snow, icy winds, and temperatures below -5°C (23 °F).

Camellia japonica 'Kramer's Supreme'  thrives in mild and humid climates, and performs best in coastal regions, in acidic, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It will tolerate full sun in favourable climates, but will give its best in partial shade, protected from scorching sun and sheltered from strong winds. It can be planted e.g. in a shrub bed, alongside other acid-loving plants like Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Cornus Kousa, Japanese maples, or Kalmia Latifolia. But it would be a shame to drown this variety in a tangle of foliage or flowers. It deserves a special place, near the entrance of the house or in a beautiful pot on the terrace, to be stored away in winter in very cold climates.