Camellia japonica Robert Lasson

Camellia 'Robert Lasson' is a variety from Japan that is relatively uncommon in cultivation. Its flowers are medium-sized, semi-double, and more or less variegated or marbled with strawberry red on a white background. Centred around a beautiful column of golden stamens, they are all different and create a beautiful tricolour effect. They bloom in winter on a vigorous and elegant shrub that keeps its large dark green leaves all year round. Its moderate growth allows it to fit into gardens of all sizes and to be displayed prominently in a large pot on the terrace or balcony for many years. 

Camellia 'Robert Lasson' (also known as 'Tsuki-no-wa') was discovered in Japan by R. Lasson, who gave it its name. It belongs to the family of Theaceae. It is a bushy, compact shrub that will reach approximately 1.2 m (4 ft) in height and 1 m (3 ft) in width after 10 years. At maturity, after 15 to 20 years, it can reach an average size of 1.75 meters (5-6 ft) in height and 1.5 meters (5 ft) in width, depending on the growing conditions. From February to April, sometimes as early as January, it produces large round flower buds. These open into flowers with a diameter of 8-9 cm (3-3.5 in), in the shape of a flared cup, composed of 7 to 9 broad, rounded petals surrounding a heart of long stamens. The foliage is evergreen, with large elliptical leaves, 10 cm (4 in) in length and 5 cm (2 in) in width, which are tough, finely dentate along the edges, dark green and glossy on the upper surface. While this shrub is hardy down to -15°C in the ground, its flower buds can be destroyed by snow, cold winds, and temperatures below -5°C (23 °F).

The Japanese Camellia 'Robert Lasson' prefers mild and humid climates and thrives in coastal regions, in acidic, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. It will tolerate non-scorching sun in favourable climates but gives its best in partial shade or even shade, protected from intense sunlight and sheltered from strong winds. Plant out in e.g. a shrub border, alongside other acid-loving plants such as Rhododendrons,  Azaleas, Cornus Kousa, or Kalmia Latifolia. But this exceptional variety, with its unique charm, deserves a special place, near the entrance of the house, or in a beautiful pot on the terrace, to be stored indoors during very cold climates in winter.