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Key characteristics

Family: Theaceae
Height: 8 to 12 ft
Width: 6 to 8 ft
Flower color: Rose-pink (formal double blooms)
Foliage color: Glossy, dark green evergreen leaves
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Light: Part shade to filtered sun
Water: Average to moderate
Maintenance: Low; prune lightly after flowering
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 9b
Wildlife: Early-season flowers may provide pollen/nectar for pollinating insects when weather permits

Shrubs

Camellia japonica 'Rose Dawn'

Rose Dawn Camellia

Camellia japonica 'Rose Dawn' is an evergreen shrub with glossy, deep green leaves and large, formal-double blossoms of rose-pink to primrose-pink. Each bloom opens in late winter or early spring, offering generous floral presence as one of the earlier shrubs to flower in the season. Some blooms may show subtle hints of white or lighter streaks, adding slight variation to its rich petals.

Originating in the United States and registered as a cultivar in the mid-20th century, 'Rose Dawn' develops into an upright to gently spreading shrub or small tree over time.

Light

Part shade to filtered sun

Water

Average to moderate

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Foundation Plantings
Specimen Plants
Woodland Gardens
Shade Gardens

Companion plants

Mahonias · Astilbe · Heucheras · Maidenhair fern · Corydalis · Lily-of-the-valley

Design tip

Early color can completely change how a garden feels at the end of winter. Position this camellia where its rose-pink flowers can draw the eye toward a sheltered corner, creating a destination in the landscape and making that area feel intentional year-round.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)