Camellia x reticulata Pagoda

The Retinaculate Camellia 'Pagoda' will delight enthusiasts of spectacular blooms. This beautiful bush with an upright habit is adorned with dark green evergreen foliage that is decorative all year round. From February onwards, it particularly highlights the large flowers in a deep red hue. Well double, they could rival the most beautiful roses in elegance, at a time of year when the latter are still dormant. With a compact size, this variety will find its place among a mass of heather soil plants, in a cool and humid climate, without summer drought or severe winter cold. Elsewhere, container cultivation will provide protection during the cold season.

The Camellia belongs to the Theaceae family, which includes only 10 to 20 genera depending on classifications. Some are ornamental, such as Stewartia whose flowers strongly resemble simple Camellias, and one species has major cultural and economic importance. This is the Camellia sinensis, whose leaves are used to make teas, of which there are said to be as many varieties as wines. The Camellia genus comprises 100 to 250 botanical species, and a multitude of horticultural varieties, especially Camellia japonica, very popular in the first half of the 19th century in Europe and a favorite of plant breeders and enthusiasts. Camellia reticulata, on the other hand, is renowned for the size of its flowers, the largest in the genus. It grows naturally in southern China, in the Yunnan province with a humid subtropical climate. It is found in mountainous areas up to an altitude of 3000 m, where it can grow into a small tree of 10 m or more in height.
Its 'Pagoda' variety has a much more modest development and is compatible with the smallest of our gardens. Growing rather slowly, this bush will reach approximately 1.50 m in height and 1 m in width after 10 years when planted in the ground. At maturity, it generally reaches around 2.10 m in height with a spread of 1.40 m. Its habit is erect like most C. reticulata, with upright branches that gradually widen over time. Its evergreen foliage is characteristic of the species, elongated elliptical in shape, the leaves measure about 12 cm in length by 5 cm in width. Their edges are finely toothed, and their surface is glossy, almost shiny. Their dark green colour allows the bright flowering to stand out even more intensely. From February, the floral buds open to reveal large corollas about a dozen centimetres in diameter. Very double, the flowers consist of numerous petals in an intense red colour, resembling some roses with a full heart. At full maturity, the flowers eventually reveal a centre of yellow stamens, creating a lovely colour contrast. Blooming between February and late March, early April, these magnificent flowers create a sensation in the garden, attracting all eyes to them.

The Camellia reticulata 'Pagoda' is an excellent choice in Atlantic regions, where it will herald spring with its vibrant flowering. Pair it with other plants with similar requirements to create a quality flower bed. The Sarcococca 'Winter Gem' will make an excellent foreground with its lanceolate leaves of a glossy green. Above all, its winter flowering even earlier than your Camellia will bring an olfactory dimension to your flower bed, spreading a very pleasant sweet scent. Fragrant Rhododendrons and Azaleas will brilliantly take over in spring, offering a variety of colours and dimensions that will allow you to add volume to your scene. And to celebrate summer, there's nothing like choosing from the vast range of Hydrangeas, with flat, round, or conical flower heads in white, blue, pink, red, and all imaginable intermediate colours.