Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Camellia tsaii var. synaptica
Elina Cascade Camellia
- Family
- Theaceae
- Height
- 8 to 12 ft
- Width
- 4 to 8 ft
- Flower color
- Small, single flowers in white to very pale pink, sometimes lightly fragrant
- Foliage color
- Narrow, willow-like evergreen leaves, deep to glossy dark green, with new growth often flushed bronze to brown
- Bloom time
- Late winter through spring
- Light
- Bright shade to part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove dead branches
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 9
- Wildlife
- Numerous small flowers offer nectar and pollen for early-season pollinators
About this plant
Camellia tsaii var. synaptica is an evergreen shrub with slender, pendulous branches and small, glossy leaves. Along the arching stems, many small, cup-shaped flowers open white with a blush of pale pink, often from rosy buds. Lightly scented blossoms appear in clusters in profusion from late winter into spring.
This variety is native to southwestern China, where it grows on forested mountain slopes, and entered cultivation through Asian selections. Forms such as 'Elina Cascade' arose from this background and were chosen for their weeping habit and abundant flowering. Its fine foliage, fragrance, and long bloom season suit woodland gardens, sheltered borders, and containers.
Works well in
Foundation Plantings · Specimen Plants · Woodland Gardens · Shade Gardens
Companion plants
Daphne · Brunnera · Tiarellas · Astilbe · Bleeding heart · Hellebore
Design tip
The graceful, weeping shape gives this camellia a lighter presence than more upright varieties, making it especially useful for softening rigid garden lines. Showcase its cascading branches near a wall, terrace, or garden turn where the silhouette can become part of the overall composition.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden.
