Camellia williamsii Lucky Star

Camellia x williamsii 'Lucky Star' is part of a series of hybrids known for their hardiness and ease of cultivation. They were developed by cross-breeding the famous Camellia japonica and Camellia saluenensis, a robust Chinese species much less known to gardeners. 'Lucky Star' is one of the most unique: this bushy upright shrub bears curious semi-double flowers, bright pink with narrow curving petals surrounding a golden heart. They bloom for 3 months, from winter to spring, on elegant evergreen foliage. This excellent variety tolerates exposure to full sun as well as slightly dry soils in summer.

Camellia hybrid 'Lucky Star' belongs to the family of Theaceae. It is a variety selected in California by Nuccio's nurseries. Its growth is rather fast for a camellia, its habit is upright and its vegetation well-branched. At the age of 10 it will measure approximately 1.40 m (4.5 ft) in height and 1.20 m (4 ft) in width. Ultimately the bush can reach 6 m (20 ft) in height and 3.25 m (11 ft) in width, under ideal conditions. Flowering occurs from February to April. The branches bear flowers composed of several long slightly tubular and outwardly curved petals, surrounding a beautiful cluster of yellow stamens. They are intense pink at first bloom and fade slightly at full bloom. These flowers wither gracefully, dropping their petals like rain.

Its evergreen foliage consists of elliptical leaves, 7.5 cm (3 in) long and 3.8 cm (1.5 in) wide, tough, finely toothed, dark green and glossy on the upper side. While this bush is hardy down to -15°C in the ground, its flowering may be compromised by snow, icy winds, and temperatures below -5°C, especially if it is grown in a pot.

Camellia williamsii Lucky Star prefers mild and humid climates and thrives in coastal regions, in humus-rich and well-drained soil. It will tolerate exposure to full sun in favourable climates, but will give its best in partial shade, protected from scorching sun and sheltered from strong winds. In the garden, you can place it in a free hedge or within a shrub bed, alongside other camellias or other acid-loving plants such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Cornus kousa, Japanese maples, or Kalmia latifolia. However, it would be a shame to drown this magnificent variety in a tangle of foliage or flowers. Truly decorative in the garden, it deserves a prominent place near the entrance of the house or not far from a pathway.

Note: unlike rhododendrons, camellias tolerate pot cultivation very well, including non-dwarf varieties. Their compact clump root system is content with a rather restricted space, as long as it is regularly fed and watered (with non-calcareous water).