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Key characteristics

Family: Theaceae
Height: 6 to 9 ft
Width: 4 to 6 ft
Flower color: Rose-pink to deep rose double flowers
Foliage color: Glossy, deep green evergreen leaves
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring (often January through March, depending on climate)
Light: Partial shade to part-sun
Water: Regular
Maintenance: Low to moderate - light pruning if needed (after flowering) to maintain shape
Growing zone: USDA zones 6b to 9
Wildlife: Flowers can provide early-season nectar or pollen for pollinators

Shrubs

Camellia 'April Kiss'

April Kiss Camellia

Camellia 'April Kiss' is an evergreen shrub with glossy dark green foliage carried on a compact, upright framework. Its formal double flowers are deep rose pink to rosy red, with tightly layered petals that form neat rosettes along the branches. Blooming begins in late winter and continues into mid-spring, often peaking in April, creating a long season of soft color in partially shaded garden settings.

Light

Partial shade to part-sun

Water

Regular

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring (often January through March, depending on climate)

Find this plant

Works well in

Foundation Plantings
Specimen Plants
Woodland Gardens
Shade Gardens

Companion plants

Holly · Pulmonaria · Oxalis · Japanese aralia · Celandine · Coral bells

Design tip

Late-winter flowers can make a partially shaded garden feel alive well before most spring plants get started. Give this camellia a prominent spot near an entry or favorite window, then surround it with quieter evergreen foliage to keep the rose-pink blooms center stage.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)