Camellia Dahlonega

'Dahlonega' Camellia is a winter camellia variety whose double white flowers have ivory reflections and a pale yellow heart, a real spectacle for the eyes.

Derived from a selection, the 'Dahlonega' Camellia was obtained in 1986 by WF Homeyer Jr. It forms a bushy habit, free and dense, reaching 1m (3.5 ft) in height and 0.80m (2 ft 7 in) in spread. This variety blooms from February to April. It produces white flowers with a pale yellow heart and ivory tinges. Its 7cm (3 in) diameter flowers will delight you.

Its evergreen leaves, dark green and light green with brown spots on the underside, measure 5 to 12cm (2 to 5 in) in length. They are rigid, elliptical and oblong in shape. They are arranged alternately on the stems. Hardy down to -15C°, this variety is grown in partial shade or shade, sheltered from cold winds. It prefers acidic, humus-rich, moist and light soils.

Plant 'Dahlonega' Camellia in an ericaceous bed with azaleas, skimmia, Japanese Quince and heathers. Plant it in autumn with some spring bulbs e.g. tulips and daffodils for a magnificent and colourful scene. Its compact size also allows it to be grown in a pot. Install it on a partially shaded or shaded terrace, alongside a wall, protected from cold and drying winds.

The name Camellia was attributed to the plant in 1735 by the Swedish naturalist Carl Von Linnaeus, in tribute to Georg Josef Kamel (latinized as "Camellus"), an apothecary in the service of the Jesuits in the Philippines in the late 17th century. It wasn't until 1792 that the Camellia arrived in Europe.