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syn: Chinese synonym: ‘Kelisibo’
Camellia hybrid Nicky Crisp
$15.00
Camellia (hybrid) ‘Nicky Crisp’ is a renowned evergreen hybrid bred in New Zealand from a cross between Camellia pitardii and Camellia japonica. It is celebrated for its compact, bushy habit and profusion of large, semi-double, pale lavender-pink flowers with prominent golden anthers
New Zealand Camellia Bulletin, 1979, Vol.XI, No.3, p.20, Reg. No. 143: A hybrid raised by Mrs A.B. Durrant, Rotorua, New Zealand from a cross C.pitardii var. pitardii x C.japonica, which first flowered 1972. The plant is compact, slow growing with dark green leaves, 8.5 cm x 3.5 cm., keeled and finely serrate. The flowers are an open semi-double, 11 cm across x 3.5 cm deep with 16 petals with deeply notched margins, cream filaments, gold anthers, which remain after the flower has fallen. The flower is pale lavender pink (RHS.CC. Red-Purple Group, 62C-D with 62B on reverse). Flowers early to late. Chinese synonym: ‘Kelisibo’. As in Bradford King’s paper “Spotlight: Camellia Hybrid Nick Crisp”, published in The Camellia Journal, 2011, September-November, Vol.66, No.3, p.2:” named for her grandson, Nicky Crisp, and not for the flowers’ crisp quality”.
Nicky Crisp’ is an outstanding upright, slow-to-moderate-growing evergreen shrub. It typically matures to around 2.0 to 2.5 metres in height and 1.5 metres in width. The foliage consists of lush, glossy, dark green, toothed leaves (measuring about 8.5 cm by 3.5 cm) that provide year-round structure.
From late winter to mid-spring, the plant produces an abundance of exquisite, medium-to-large (up to 11 cm wide) semi-double flowers. These blooms boast around 16 petals arranged softly in a delicate pale pink to cool lavender-pink hue. A standout feature is that after the petals drop, the striking golden anthers often remain on the bush for a period. Because of its elegant shape, it thrives as a stand-alone specimen, container plant, or trimmed as a formal hedge.
Light Requirements: Thrives in dappled, partial shade or bright morning sun. Harsh, drying afternoon sun can scorch the foliage and bleach the delicate flowers.
Soil Requirements: Requires moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5) rich in organic matter. If your native soil is chalky or heavy clay, grow it in a large container with an ericaceous (acid-loving) potting mix.
Watering: Like most camellias, it is shallow-rooted. Regular watering is essential, particularly during the hot summer months and when buds are developing. Mulching with 2-3 inches of organic matter (like bark or compost) will help keep the shallow roots cool and moist.
Fertilizing: Feed in early spring and immediately after flowering using a specialized camellia or azalea fertilizer.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed due to its naturally dense, compact habit. Any light tip-pruning or shaping should be done immediately after the flowering season concludes so you do not cut off next year’s buds.
Hardiness: Generally hardy, though young plants and emerging buds should be protected from harsh, dry winds and late frosts.
