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syn: Shiragiku , Neige Dorée
Camellia japonica Purity
$15.00
Camellia japonica ‘Purity’ is an ancient, slow-growing evergreen shrub featuring snowy white, formal double blooms. Traced back to Japan, it thrives in well-draining, acidic soil and partial shade. It is widely used in landscape applications like hedges, foundations, and container planting.
‘Purity’ is a vigorous, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub or small tree with an upright to slightly spreading growth habit. It typically matures to 2.5–3 m (8–10 ft) tall and 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft) wide. The foliage consists of dark green, glossy, leathery, and finely serrated leaves.
The plant is celebrated for its dazzling, medium-sized, formal double flowers that resemble gardenias. The snowy-white petals are meticulously overlapped and elegantly fluted. It blooms mid-to-late winter through spring.
Light: Thrives in filtered sun or partial shade. Avoid direct afternoon sun and harsh, dry winds which can scorch the foliage and damage the buds.
Soil: Prefers rich, organic, and well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. Avoid heavy clay.
Watering: Requires moderate, consistent moisture. Ensure the plant never stands in heavy water, though it gains reasonable drought tolerance once fully established.
Fertilizer: Apply a specialized, slow-release camellia fertilizer once or twice a year, typically in early spring after flowering and again in mid-summer.
Pruning: Pruning should be minimal. Lightly prune after the flowering season concludes to shape the plant, encourage bushy growth, and improve air circulation.
Hardiness: Generally hardy to USDA Zones 7–9. In cooler climates, they can be successfully grown in containers and moved indoors to unheated, protected spaces.
