Classic Camellia - Camellia japonica Sweet Olive

The Camellia 'Sweet Olive' is a lovely variety of Camellia japonica with imbricate flowers that is quite rare in the horticultural trade. Of medium stature, forming a beautiful rounded bush, it is adorned with delightful little perfectly formed double flowers, with a deep pink colour on the periphery, contrasting with an almost white centre. They bloom in early spring on a beautiful dark and glossy evergreen foliage, very ornamental. A decoration for the garden or terrace from the first beautiful days!

The 'Sweet Olive' Camellia, obtained in Australia in 1990, belongs to the family of tea plants, just like its ancestor, Camellia japonica. It is a bushy and erect shrub, with deep rooting, which will reach approximately 1.40m (4.6ft) in height and 1m in width at 10 years old. In March-April, it produces an abundance of small double flowers, with silky petals, regularly arranged in successive layers like scales. With a deep and warm pink colour on the periphery of the corolla, they display a beautiful gradient of pink that fades almost to white in the centre of the flower. In this type of camellia flower, the stamens are never visible. Its evergreen foliage is composed of large elliptical leaves, 10 to 12cm (4.7in) long, leathery, dark green and glossy on the upper side. Although this shrub is hardy down to -14°C (6.8°F) in open ground, its flowering may be compromised by snow, icy wind, and temperatures below -5°C (23°F).

The 'Sweet Olive' Japanese Camellia prefers mild and humid climates and thrives better in coastal regions, in acid, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. In terms of exposure, it will tolerate full sun in favourable climates, such as in Atlantic regions, but it will give its best in partial shade, protected from scorching sun and sheltered from strong winds. In the garden, you can plant it, for example, in a shrub bed, along with other acid-loving plants like Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Cornus Kousa, Japanese maples, or even Kalmia Latifolia. But it would be a shame to drown this delightful 'Sweet Olive' variety in a jumble 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 protected in winter in very cold climates.