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Key characteristics

Family: Theaceae
Height: 4 to 6 ft
Width: 4 to 6 ft
Flower color: Very dark red to maroon semi-double blooms
Foliage color: Glossy, dark green evergreen leaves
Bloom time: Late winter to mid-spring
Light: Mostly sun to part shade
Water: Regular
Maintenance: Low; prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove dead wood if needed
Growing zone: USDA zones 7a to 9b
Wildlife: Evergreen foliage provides year-round shelter for birds and small wildlife; early-season flowers may supply nectar or pollen to pollinators

Shrubs

Camellia x williamsii 'Night Rider'

Night Rider Camellia

Camellia x williamsii 'Night Rider' is a compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub with small, glossy leaves that emerge red before maturing to deep green. Along its branches, miniature single to semi-double flowers open in black-red tones with yellow centers. Blooming from late winter into late spring, often in March and April, it adds rich color to shaded borders and containers.

Bred in New Zealand by Os Blumhardt, 'Night Rider' is a hybrid between Camellia x 'Ruby Bells' and Camellia japonica 'Kuro-tsubaki', introduced around 1980.

Light

Mostly sun to part shade

Water

Regular

Bloom time

Late winter to mid-spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Foundation Plantings
Specimen Plants
Woodland Gardens
Shade Gardens

Companion plants

Holly · Pulmonaria · Oxalis · Japanese forest grass · Celandine · Coral bells

Design tip

Dark maroon flowers can create a wonderfully dramatic moment without introducing a bright splash of color. Set this compact camellia against lighter foliage or pale hardscape, where the contrast will highlight its unusual coloring and give a small garden space a richer, more layered look.