Camellia japonica Midnight Variegated

Camellia 'Midnight Variegated' is a beautiful variety from southern Japan, appreciated for its original and prolonged flowering period in late winter and early spring. Vigorous, this bush carries semi-double flowers of medium size, randomly marbled with dark red and white. They bloom on foliage of dark and shiny green which remains attractive throughout the year. The moderate development, dense habit, and festive colour of this camellia allow it to be cultivated in a large pot on the terrace or balcony for many years, bringing a lot of joy to the surroundings of the house from the first sunny days.

Camellia 'Midnight Variegated', obtained in 1977 and introduced to the market in 1983, belongs to the family of Theaceae, like its ancestor Camellia japonica. It is a bushy, erect, dense, and branching shrub with deep roots, which will reach approximately 1.20 m (4 ft) in height and 1 m (3 ft) in width after 10 years. In March and April, earlier or later depending on the climate, it offers numerous semi-double flowers, 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) in diameter, with 9 or more petals arranged in two rows, mixing white and dark red and revealing a heart filled with beautiful yellow stamens. Its foliage, which persists in winter, is composed of large elliptical, leathery, dark green, and glossy leaves on the upper side. While this shrub is hardy down to -15°C (5 °F) in open ground, its flowering may be compromised by snow, icy wind, and temperatures below -5°C (23 °F).

Camellia 'Midnight Variegated' prefers mild and humid climates and thrives in coastal regions, in acidic, humus-rich, and 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. Plant e.g. in a shrub bed, alongside other acid-loving plants like Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Cornus kousa, or even Kalmia latifolia. However it would be a shame to drown this variety in a mass 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 during winter in cold climates.