Camellia japonica Montironi

Camellia japonica 'Montironi' has adorned the buttonhole of the elegant and was chosen as an emblem by Coco Chanel. Its flower is large, double, beautifully formed, in porcelain white with occasional pink markings. This old Italian variety, a timeless classic, is also a vigorous and hardy bush with a beautiful upright habit and foliage that is elegant throughout the year. Flowering takes place in the heart of the Japanese camellia season. It is a reliable choice, very beautiful in a container on the terrace, and always highly appreciated in gardens with mild and humid climates.

Camellia 'Montironi', introduced in Italy by Casoretti around 1840, belongs to the family of Theaceae. It is a relatively non-branching bush with an upright and pyramidal habit, reaching about 1.5 meters (5 ft) in height and 1 m (3 ft) in width at 10 years old. At maturity, after 15 to 20 years, it can reach 2 m (6-7 ft) in height and 1.5 meters (5 ft) in width, depending on the growing conditions. From February to April it produces large elongated floral buds covered with greenish scales. They open into flowers with a diameter of 10 to 11 cm (4 in), perfectly formed, composed of numerous wide and rounded petals, regularly arranged in 9 to 10 rows. The white flowers may have some marbling or pink streaks. The foliage is evergreen, with large elliptical leaves, measuring 9-10 cm (3.9 in) in length and 4.5 cm (1.8 in) in width, tough, finely toothed at the edges, dark green and glossy on the upper side. While this bush is hardy down to -15°C in the ground, its floral buds can be destroyed by snow, icy winds, and temperatures below -5°C (23 °F).

Camellia japonica 'Montironi' prefers mild and humid climates and thrives in coastal regions, in acidic, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. It will tolerate non-scorching sunlight in favourable climates but will give its best in partial shade or even shade, protected from intense sunlight and sheltered from strong winds. It can be planted e.g. in a shrub border, alongside other acid-loving plants such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Cornus Kousa, or Kalmia Latifolia. But 'Montironi', with its undeniable elegance, is a great classic that deserves a prominent place near the entrance of the house, or in a beautiful pot on the terrace, to be stored indoors during very cold climates.