Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Camellia x williamsii ‘Freedom Bell’
Freedom Bell Camellia
- Family
- Theaceae
- Height
- 6 to 8 feet
- Width
- 4 to 6 feet
- Flower color
- Deep coral-red
- Foliage color
- Glossy, dark green
- Bloom time
- Late winter to early spring
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Consistently moist soil, avoid waterlogged conditions
- Maintenance
- Regular pruning after flowering to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- 7 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts pollinators like bees, not favored by deer
About this plant
Camellia x williamsii 'Freedom Bell' is a beautiful evergreen shrub, a hybrid of Camellia japonica and Camellia saluenensis, prized for its large, semi-double to peony-form deep coral-red flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring. Its glossy, dark green, oval-shaped foliage provides an attractive backdrop to the vibrant flowers. Known for its vigorous growth and ease of maintenance, 'Freedom Bell' thrives in partial to full shade and well-draining, acidic soil.
Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourage new growth, while its blossoms attract pollinators like bees, benefiting the garden's ecosystem. This stunning and reliable plant adds beauty and interest to any garden, especially in late winter and early spring.
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
Deep coral-red flowers can create a strong focal point in a shady garden, particularly when viewed against quieter greens. Carry a few touches of red into another part of the landscape to create rhythm and visually connect separate planting areas without making the design feel repetitive.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
