Camellia lutchuensis High Fragrance

Camellia 'High Fragrance' is perhaps the most fragrant of field camellias. This superb New Zealand creation stands out for the magnificent scent exuded by its large double flowers, whose shape resembles that of certain peonies. Their very soft, pale pink colour is subtly enhanced by a pink blush on the edges of the petals and warmed by a salmon-coloured heart around the golden stamens. They bloom from February to April on a dense and upright bush dressed in evergreen olive green foliage that remains decorative all year round. This variety will be superb in a natural hedge or in a large container on the terrace! Give it a fresh but well-drained, non-chalky soil and a partially shaded site.

Derived from cross-breeding, field camellias belong to the family of Theaceae, like the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). They are compact shrubs with evergreen foliage that bloom from January to April depending on the varieties. Less sophisticated than their close relative Camellia japonica, they easily earn their place in a small hedge or ericaceous flower bed. They are suited to an oceanic, mild and humid climate, and non-calcareous soils.

The 'High Fragrance' cultivar, introduced in New Zealand in 1985, is the result of a cross between the variety 'Bertha Harms' and a 'child' of 'Salab' and 'Scentuous'. Its habit is free, rather upright, bushy, and dense, and its growth is rather fast for a camellia. It forms a bush 1.50 m (5 ft) tall by 1 m (3 ft) wide on average by the age of 10. This variety blooms as early as February until April. It produces a large quantity of slightly ruffled cup-shaped flowers measuring 9-10 cm (3-4 in) wide by 6.5 cm (2.6 in) deep. Their colour is a blend of white-pink, pink, and salmon-pink. The centre of the flower reveals stamens with golden anthers. Their powerful fragrance evokes that of the botanical Camellia lutchuensis.

At budburst, the young leaves are coppery and gradually turn to a fairly light olive green, slightly shiny. Oval in shape, they measure 7.5 cm (3 in) in length by 4.5 cm (2 in) in width and have serrated edges. Hardy down to -14°C, this variety is grown in partial shade, sheltered from cold winds.

Plant Camellia High Fragrance in an ericaceous flowerbed alongside Japanese or deciduous azaleas, skimmia, Japanese quince, and heathers, and plant bulbs such as tulips and daffodils at their feet in autumn to create a colourful scene in spring. The compact size of this variety is also suitable for container cultivation: to fully enjoy its fragrance, place your High Fragrance camellia on a partially shaded terrace, alongside a wall not far from the house, protected from cold and drying winds.

Our field camellias are 4 years old. They will bloom from the 5th year onwards.