1 / 3

Key characteristics

Family: Theaceae
Height: 8 ft to 12 ft
Width: 6 ft to 8 ft
Flower color: Large soft pink peony form flowers with petaloid centers and layered petals
Foliage color: Glossy deep green leaves with a leathery texture and dense evergreen habit
Bloom time: Late winter to spring
Light: Partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove damaged branches
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 9
Wildlife: Pollinators attracted to pollen and sheltered evergreen cover for birds

Shrubs

Camellia japonica 'Elegans Splendor'

Elegans Splendor Camellia

Camellia japonica 'Elegans Splendor' produces large, formal double flowers in soft shell pink, opening from late winter into spring with layered petals surrounding creamy white petaloids at the center. Glossy, deep green leaves are thick and leathery, creating a dense evergreen canopy with a polished appearance throughout the year. The flowers are held prominently among the foliage, their intricate petal arrangement adding texture and depth during the blooming season.

Light

Partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late winter to spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Foundation Plantings
Specimen Plants
Woodland Gardens
Shade Gardens

Companion plants

Skimmia · Japanese forest grass · Epimedium · Pieris · Trillium · Foamflower

Design tip

A large camellia can bring welcome structure to a shady garden while creating a beautiful backdrop for smaller plants. Layer lower shrubs and perennials around its base, using soft greens and subtle textures to complement the shell-pink flowers without distracting from their elegant display.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)