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Key characteristics

Family: Theaceae
Height: 6 to 10 feet
Width: 4 to 6 feet
Flower color: Coral pink
Foliage color: Glossy dark green
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Regular
Maintenance: Pruning is occasionally required to maintain shape
Growing zone: 7 to 9
Wildlife: Flowers may attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden; the dense foliage provides cover and habitat for small birds and other wildlife

Shrubs

Camellia japonica ‘Unryu’

Contorted Camellia

Camellia japonica 'Unryu' produces small, single deep pink to crimson flowers with prominent golden-yellow stamens in late winter to early spring. Glossy, medium to dark green leaves remain evergreen, providing polished foliage throughout the year. Its defining feature is the unusual branching: at each node, stems change direction to create an intricate zigzag pattern. The contorted branches remain visible within the foliage, giving the shrub sculptural character even when it is not flowering.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Regular

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Foundation Plantings
Specimen Plants
Woodland Gardens
Shade Gardens

Companion plants

Fatsia · Foamflower · Viola · Aucuba · Ferns · Trillium

Design tip

Twisting branches give this camellia enough personality to stand apart from the surrounding garden, even between flowering seasons. Give its unusual silhouette some visual breathing room rather than crowding it, creating a natural focal point that can be appreciated throughout the year.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)