Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Camellia x williamsii 'Night Rider'
Night Rider Camellia
- Family
- Theaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 ft
- Width
- 4 to 6 ft
- Flower color
- Very dark red to maroon semi-double blooms
- Foliage color
- Glossy, dark green evergreen leaves
- Bloom time
- Late winter to mid-spring
- Light
- Mostly sun to part shade
- Water
- Regular
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove dead wood if needed
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7a to 9b
- Wildlife
- Evergreen foliage provides year-round shelter for birds and small wildlife; early-season flowers may supply nectar or pollen to pollinators
About this plant
Camellia x williamsii 'Night Rider' is a compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub with small, glossy leaves that emerge red before maturing to deep green. Along its branches, miniature single to semi-double flowers open in black-red tones with yellow centers. Blooming from late winter into late spring, often in March and April, it adds rich color to shaded borders and containers.
Bred in New Zealand by Os Blumhardt, 'Night Rider' is a hybrid between Camellia x 'Ruby Bells' and Camellia japonica 'Kuro-tsubaki', introduced around 1980. Its upright habit, tinted new growth, and long blooming season suit it to woodland gardens or a spot near a path where its dusky flowers can be enjoyed at close range.
Works well in
Foundation Plantings · Specimen Plants · Woodland Gardens · Shade Gardens
Companion plants
Holly · Pulmonaria · Oxalis · Japanese forest grass · Celandine · Coral bells
Design tip
Dark maroon flowers can create a wonderfully dramatic moment without introducing a bright splash of color. Set this compact camellia against lighter foliage or pale hardscape, where the contrast will highlight its unusual coloring and give a small garden space a richer, more layered look.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Windcliff Nursery.
