Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Camellia japonica 'Matterhorn'
Matterhorn Camellia
- Family
- Theaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 ft
- Width
- 3 to 5 ft
- Flower color
- Pure white, formal double blooms
- Foliage color
- Glossy, dark green evergreen leaves
- Bloom time
- Early to mid spring
- Light
- Part shade to dappled shade
- Water
- Consistent moisture
- Maintenance
- Low to moderate; prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove dead wood
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 9
- Wildlife
- Evergreen structure provides shelter and cover for small birds and other wildlife; white flowers may offer pollen/nectar for pollinating insects
About this plant
Camellia japonica 'Matterhorn' is an evergreen shrub with glossy, deep green leaves draping from graceful, downward-sweeping branches. In early spring it produces formal-double flowers of pure white that appear along the stems on pendant branches. The blooms stand out against the dark foliage while the shrub's bushy, compact form gives it a neat, evergreen presence throughout the year.
This cultivar was raised in and introduced for gardens seeking a dependable white-flowering camellia. With its dependable bloom and evergreen structure, 'Matterhorn' suits container plantings, sheltered shrub borders, or woodland-style gardens where its flowers can be easily observed during the spring flowering season.
Works well in
Foundation Plantings · Specimen Plants · Woodland Gardens · Shade Gardens
Companion plants
Leucothoe · Solomon’s seal · Bergenia · Japanese plum yew · Hosta · Snowdrops
Design tip
Pure white flowers can become a beautiful source of light in a shady garden, especially against layers of deep green foliage. Tuck smaller shade plants around this compact camellia, allowing its graceful branching and spring blooms to create a calm, polished focal point.
