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Southern Living Plant Collection

Early Wonder Camellia (Japonica)

17 Reviews
| 1 answered question
$23.81
  • Early Wonder Camellia features large, rosy pink blooms
  • Matures to 4-6' wide by 6-8' tall
  • Hardy in USDA Zones 7 - 9
  • Plant in full sun to partial shade
Pot size

Description

The Early Wonder® Camellia from the Southern Living Plant Collection is a brand-new selection for 2019! This is a Camellia japonica variety, therefore, it has many of the qualities people love about this breed of plants. However, most Japonica varieties begin blooming in late fall to early winter, and that's where the Early Wonder breaks the mold. This selection begins blooming in Fall, a time when traditionally only Camellia sasanqua varieties are in bloom! And these flowers are absolute show-stoppers. Each bloom is a large, formal, and rosy pink with double petals. You won't get tired of looking at these blossoms anytime soon, which is good because they emerge in huge numbers.

The Early Wonder Camellia produces leathery, dark green leaves with lightly serrated edges. This foliage is evergreen and grows naturally in an upright habit.

This variety reaches a mature height of 6-8' H x 4-6' W, so be sure to leave room for it to grow.

The Early Wonder Camellia is a perfect choice for a specimen, accent, mass planting, hedge, or even privacy planting.

Check out few other new Southern Living Plant Collection Camellias, the Christmas Carol Camellia, the October Magic Carpet Camellia, and the October Magic White Shi Shi Camellia.

Early Wonder Camellia Care

Hardy from USDA Zones 7-9, down to 0°F when fully established in the landscape.

Plant in Full Sun to Partial Shade for best results, at least 3-4 hours of direct sun a day. Too little sun results in decreased foliage and bloom production.

Water 2-3 times per week during the first growing season while experiencing average weather conditions. During the second season, provide 1-2 supplementary waterings weekly.

The Early Wonder Camellia, like other camellias, prefers slightly acidic soil with good drainage. If you don't know your soil pH, consider picking up a pH tester. If the pH is too high, supplement your soil with elemental sulfur to lower it.

Fertilize yearly with either a slow-release acidic plant fertilizer or an organic acidic plant fertilizer.

Care & Use

Getting Started: Understanding Your New Plant

Review your plant's information on our website or the tag that comes with it. Be mindful of sunlight preferences, soil type, and spacing needs.

Our plants are adaptable but grow best in the correct USDA Zones. Click here to learn more about your USDA Zone.

Planting Instructions

Dig a Hole

First, dig a hole three times the width of the root ball of your plant. This makes it easier for the root system to spread out quickly. Dig the hole deep enough that your plant will sit level with or slightly above the ground around it.

Amend Your Soil

Mix your native soil with rich gardening soil to provide extra nutrients and support plant growth. If your soil is clay-heavy, we recommend mixing your native clay soil with equal parts of Pine Bark mulch to improve drainage and the overall breathability of your soil.

Place Your Plant

Examine the roots. If they appear tightly bound, gently coax them apart; this ensures they can spread into the new soil. Place your plant in the hole so the top of the rootball is even with the surrounding soil—Backfill around it with the amended soil mixture. The roots need access to oxygen for your plant to thrive, so do not cover the rootball; place soil around it.

Mulch Your Plants

Top the soil beneath your plant with 3-4 inches of mulch to help it retain moisture. Be careful not to cover the rootball - your new plants roots need access to oxygen.

Water Your Plant

Soak the plant with a hose afterward to hydrate the plant, as well as get the soil and mulch situated. Develop a regular watering schedule based on your plant's needs and local weather patterns. Remember, over watering is just as, if not more, harmful than under watering.

Spacing Recommendations

Early Wonder Camellia Spacing Recommendations

Plant your Early Wonder Camellias about 3 feet apart for a solid wall of foliage. For slight space between plantings or a casual plant screen, plant them 5+ feet apart.

  • Scientific Name
    Camellia japonica 'Early Autumn'
  • Hardiness Zone
    7, 8, 9
  • Sun Exposure
    Full Sun to Part Shade
  • Evergreen or Deciduous
    Evergreen
  • Features
    Reblooming
  • Feature Color
    Green, Pink
  • Uses
    Accent, Border, Container, Cut Flowers, Hedge, Mass Planting, Privacy Planting, Woodland Garden
  • Water Needs
    Medium
  • Bloom Season
    Fall

Growing Zones : 7, 8, and 9

Map of USDA Zones 7-9
Southern Living Plant Collection Nandinas planted in a container with heucherella in front of a fireplace

Southern Living Plants

A collection of shrubs, trees, and perennials selected by plant experts to thrive in the heat of the South. Find traditional varieties like camellias mixed with new landscape favorites like agapanthus. These varieties have been bred to tackle landscape challenges specific to the region.

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Early Wonder Camellia in a two gallon pot against a white background with pink blooms
Southern Living Plant Collection

Early Wonder Camellia (Japonica)

From $23.81

The Early Wonder® Camellia from the Southern Living Plant Collection is a brand-new selection for 2019! This is a Camellia japonica variety, therefore, it has many of the qualities people love about this breed of plants. However, most Japonica varieties begin blooming in late fall to early winter, and that's where the Early Wonder breaks the mold. This selection begins blooming in Fall, a time when traditionally only Camellia sasanqua varieties are in bloom! And these flowers are absolute show-stoppers. Each bloom is a large, formal, and rosy pink with double petals. You won't get tired of looking at these blossoms anytime soon, which is good because they emerge in huge numbers.

The Early Wonder Camellia produces leathery, dark green leaves with lightly serrated edges. This foliage is evergreen and grows naturally in an upright habit.

This variety reaches a mature height of 6-8' H x 4-6' W, so be sure to leave room for it to grow.

The Early Wonder Camellia is a perfect choice for a specimen, accent, mass planting, hedge, or even privacy planting.

Check out few other new Southern Living Plant Collection Camellias, the Christmas Carol Camellia, the October Magic Carpet Camellia, and the October Magic White Shi Shi Camellia.

Early Wonder Camellia Care

Hardy from USDA Zones 7-9, down to 0°F when fully established in the landscape.

Plant in Full Sun to Partial Shade for best results, at least 3-4 hours of direct sun a day. Too little sun results in decreased foliage and bloom production.

Water 2-3 times per week during the first growing season while experiencing average weather conditions. During the second season, provide 1-2 supplementary waterings weekly.

The Early Wonder Camellia, like other camellias, prefers slightly acidic soil with good drainage. If you don't know your soil pH, consider picking up a pH tester. If the pH is too high, supplement your soil with elemental sulfur to lower it.

Fertilize yearly with either a slow-release acidic plant fertilizer or an organic acidic plant fertilizer.

Pot size

  • 2.5 Quart
  • 2 Gallon
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