Camellia x reticulata Lila Naff

The Camellia reticulata 'Lila Naff' is a variety with irresistible charm, winning everyone over with its tender pink flowering. The flowers, exceeding 10 cm in diameter, start forming as early as February, standing out beautifully against the glossy dark green foliage. Semi-double, resembling somewhat anemone flowers or certain peonies, the wavy-petaled corollas are adorned with a yellow stamen heart, creating a lovely blend of hues. Reserved for mild climates, this beautiful medium-growing bush thrives in a semi-shaded bed in acidic and moist soil. In regions with too cold winters, it can be grown in a large pot to be brought indoors to a cool room in winter.

The Camellia belongs to the Theaceae family, famous for the tea produced from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. This plant family comprises only about ten genera, some of which are ornamental, such as Stewartia whose flowers clearly reveal their relationship with Camellias. The Camellia genus is best known for its species C. japonica, introduced to England in 1739 and highly popular in the first half of the 19th century before giving way to the Orchid trend. However, did you know there are 100 to 250 other botanical species (according to botanical classifications)? Camellia reticulata is one of them, highly sought after for the size of its flowers, likely the largest in the genus. The wild species originates from Yunnan, a province in southern China with a humid subtropical climate. It grows in mountainous areas up to an altitude of 3000 m, explaining its decent hardiness, down to about -10°C. In its native regions, it can grow into a small tree over 10 m tall, admired for its 10 to 12 cm diameter flowers.
'Lila Naff' was discovered in Slidell, Louisiana, USA, by Mrs. Ferol Zerkowski, amidst a seedling of Camellia reticulata 'Butterfly Wings'. Following the first bloom in 1958, the new variety was only officially registered in 1967. The bush has a rather upright habit and grows slightly faster than other C. reticulata varieties, forming after 10 years of planting a dense clump approximately 1.60 m tall by 1.20 m wide. Depending on the climate and growing conditions, the development can be greater; plants in Cornwall, southwest England, have reached 3 m in height and 2 m in width in the same time frame. The dense vegetation consists of dark green leaves with a glossy surface, elliptical with acuminate tips, measuring 10 cm long by 5.5 cm wide. This dark backdrop beautifully highlights the flowering period between February and April. The soft pink flowers consist of 15 petals forming a large corolla, 10 to 12.5 cm in diameter by 6 to 7 cm in height. The irregularly undulating petals, 6.5 x 7 cm, sometimes have a slight, shallow cleft at their tips. They surround a cluster of stamens, composed of white filaments supporting golden anthers (the terminal part containing pollen). This colour combination is very harmonious, giving the flowers an anemone, peony, or rose-like appearance, depending on individual references. While the flowers are not scented, they surely catch all eyes in late winter, particularly visible due to their size and light colour. A fantastic sight, exuding a romantic charm during a still somewhat grey time of year.

The Camellia reticulata 'Lila Naff' is a perfect choice for creating a delicate winter bed. Thriving in damp oceanic climates, you can grow it in a pot in regions with cold winters to bring it indoors after the growing season. In Brittany or other regions with acidic soil, you can integrate it into a bed alongside other plants with similar requirements for coolness and shade. The Sarcococca hookeriana, a small bush with a natural habit, will delight you with the delightful fragrance of its small white flowers blooming between December and March and will find its place in the foreground. Further back, the stunning and lesser-known Stachyurus praecox will surprise you with its long clusters of small yellow bells appearing at the same time as your Camellia's flowers. A deciduous plant, its foliage takes on beautiful autumnal hues that brighten your setting. In the rear of the bed, place one or two Hamamelis, or Witch Hazels, with their winter blooms in curious stretched filaments of yellow, red, or orange.