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Key characteristics

Family: Theaceae
Height: 4 to 6 ft
Width: 3 to 5 ft
Flower color: Pure white, formal double blooms
Foliage color: Glossy, dark green evergreen leaves
Bloom time: Early to mid spring
Light: Part shade to dappled shade
Water: Consistent moisture
Maintenance: Low to moderate; prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove dead wood
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 9
Wildlife: Evergreen structure provides shelter and cover for small birds and other wildlife; white flowers may offer pollen/nectar for pollinating insects

Shrubs

Camellia japonica 'Matterhorn'

Matterhorn Camellia

Camellia japonica 'Matterhorn' is an evergreen shrub with glossy, deep green leaves draping from graceful, downward-sweeping branches. In early spring it produces formal-double flowers of pure white that appear along the stems on pendant branches. The blooms stand out against the dark foliage while the shrub's bushy, compact form gives it a neat, evergreen presence throughout the year.

This cultivar was raised in and introduced for gardens seeking a dependable white-flowering camellia.

Light

Part shade to dappled shade

Water

Consistent moisture

Bloom time

Early to mid spring

Find this plant

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

Pure white flowers can become a beautiful source of light in a shady garden, especially against layers of deep green foliage. Tuck smaller shade plants around this compact camellia, allowing its graceful branching and spring blooms to create a calm, polished focal point.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)