White Empress Camellia Japonica

Camellia japonica ‘White Empress’

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 7a-10b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Evergreen Flowering Shrub

Species: Japonica (Winter, Spring blooming)

Height at Maturity: 10-15′ depending on pruning

Width at Maturity: 5-10′ depending on pruning
Spacing: 4-5′ for solid hedges; 12’+ for space between plants

Flower Color: White with Yellow stamens

Flower Size: Large, 4-5″

Flowering Period: Late Winter, Early Spring

Flower Type: Semi Double

Fragrant Flowers: No

Foliage Color: Dark Green

Fragrant Foliage: No

Berries: No

Berry Color: NA

Sun Needs: Morning Sun with Afternoon Shade or Filtered Sun, All Day Filtered Sun

Water Needs: Average, Lower when established

Soil Type: Clay (amended), Loam, Sand (amended), Silt

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Well Drained Moist

Soil pH: 5.0 – 6.5 (Acid)

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer – more info, Drought (when established), Heat, Humidity

Intolerances: Direct Afternoon Sun, Constantly Soggy Soil

Description

An antique variety that has stood the test of time and set many of gardens aglow over the years, the White Empress Camellia is sure to please the eye with an abundance of large, 4 to 5 inch diameter semi-double flowers with fluted pure white petals that surround a spectacular, large boss of bright yellow stamens. The large, dark green glossy leaves and an upright habit make this one a perfect selection for a background, tall hedge or small tree.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 10 to 15 feet tall and 5 to 10 feet wide depending on pruning, he White Empress Camellia can be grown as a large shrub or small tree. As a shrub it is ideal for use as a specimen, in groupings or as a hedge or background plant in landscape borders and is especially nice as a corner plant or espalier (trained to grow flat against a wall) in home foundation plantings. As the shrub grows lower branches can be removed to form a highly attractive small tree that serves well as an a colorful focal point specimen in landscape borders and home foundation plantings. A fine addition to camellia gardens, white theme gardens, cottage gardens, cut flower gardens, and shade and woodland gardens. Also suitable for containers that can be brought indoors during winter by those who live and garden above USDA Zone 7a, where this camellia variety is not reliably winter hardy. Find Your Zone

Suggested Spacing: 4 to 5 feet apart for solid hedge; 12 feet or more apart for space between plants

Note: For our customers who live and garden north of USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a, where this Camellia variety is not reliably winter hardy, you’ll be happy to know it can be grown in containers that can be brought indoors during winter and placed back outside when temperatures warm up in spring.

Growing Preferences

Camellia adapt well to various soil types however prefer a moist but well-drained acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Constantly soggy soil is a slow killer. In general, Camellia grows and blooms better in partial shade with some shelter from the hot afternoon sun. Morning sun with afternoon shade or filtered sunlight is perfect. All-day filtered sun is fine.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Camellias.

Planting Camellias

Pruning Camellias

How To Fertilize & Water Camellias

How To Espalier Plants & Trees

*Espalier (pronounced: ih-spal-yay) …an ornamental shrub or tree that has been trained to grow flat against a wall, fence, or other vertical, flat surface.

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Questions? Contact Us

I have a white, red and mixed one! My 4 year old loves picking the flowers. These guys get pretty big if they’re happy so make sure to give them room! I have mine dotted around my backyard to add privacy as well as block the neighbors flood lights.—————————————————-We are so glad you are pleased with your purchase! Thanks for the kind words and great review! Beth | WBG 🙂

I love my camillias. They arrived today. Very impressed with how carefully they were packed. I can’t wait for my yard man to come plant them. I’m sure I’ll be ordering again.———————————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the great review! Thanks for the kind words! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

I use camellias to provide a beautiful, fragrant privacy screen with year-round foliage. These arrive in good condition and are a decent size. They are healthy and nice.————————————Hope you enjoy it for years to come. Let us know if there’s ever anything else we can help you with. 🙂 – Beth | WBG

I have a huge old one of these at home, and it is gorgeous. Wanted to get one for my cousin for her birthday – she was VERY pleased.——————————–Hi Anne, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the White Empress Camellia Japonica. We are so glad you and your cousin are pleased and we hope she enjoys it for years to come! 🙂
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens