Camellia reticulata x granthamiana China Lady

The Camellia reticulata 'China Lady' is a hybrid of the reticulated camellia sought after for its large semi-double flowers in a orchid pink shade, spectacular in early spring. They bloom on a lush, dark green and reticulated foliage, which remains attractive in winter. This bush will bring a refined floral touch to a semi-shaded garden or in a pot on a terrace. More suitable for mild and humid climates, this variety fears heavy frosts. Elsewhere, it will be adopted in a large pot to be able to shelter it in winter.

The 'China Lady' Camellia, resulting from a cross between C. reticulata and C. granthamiana, was obtained at Nuccio's nurseries in California. It first bloomed in 1962 and was officially registered in 1968. Its first parent, the C. reticulata, is native to the Yunnan mountains in southwest China. This species naturally grows in subtropical forests with partial shade. All these plants belong to the Tea family.

The graceful 'China Lady' camellia has an upright habit and a rather fast growth, reaching 3 m in height with a slightly smaller spread. Its "magnolia" type flowers measure between 13 and 15 cm in diameter, they are semi-double, composed of irregular and undulate petals in a charming orchid pink shade. They bloom from February to April. This variety is adorned with a dense, well-furnished foliage. The leaves, evergreen in winter, are elliptical in shape, measuring 10 cm by 5 cm wide. Their colour is a slightly glossy medium green, with a network of quite pronounced veins, as in the Camellia reticulata. This camellia is moderately cold-resistant, up to -5/-7°C, and should be protected during frosts.

The 'China Lady' reticulated camellia prefers mild and humid climates and thrives best in coastal regions, in acidic, humus-bearing and well-drained soil. It is in partial shade, protected from the scorching sun and sheltered from strong winds that it will give its best. In the garden, you will place it in a large shrub bed, alongside other heather soil plants like Rhododendrons, Star Magnolias (Magnolia stellata), Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) and sasanqua camellias like 'Yuletide'. In mild climates, it deserves a prime spot, near the house entrance, or in a beautiful pot on the terrace, to be stored away in winter in colder regions.