Camellia x lutchuensis 'Minato-no-Akebono'

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Key characteristics

Family: Theaceae
Height: 5 to 9 ft
Width: 4 to 8 ft
Flower color: Light to medium pink, single blooms with golden-yellow stamens
Foliage color: Glossy evergreen dark green leaves
Bloom time: Late fall through winter to early spring
Light: Part shade to filtered light
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; occasional light pruning after flowering to thin branches or shape
Growing zone: USDA zones 7a to 10b
Wildlife: Fragrant winter-season flowers attract early-season pollinators (bees, beneficial insects, possibly hummingbirds)

Shrubs

Camellia x lutchuensis 'Minato-no-Akebono'

Minato-no-Akebono Camellia

Camellia x lutchuensis 'Minato-no-Akebono' is an evergreen shrub with arching branches and glossy, deep green leaves that stay beautiful year-round. Along the stems, numerous small single flowers appear in clusters, soft shell pink to medium pink with slightly deeper tones toward the petal tips. The blooms are strongly fragrant, with a sweet perfume that carries on still days, and open over a long season from late fall through winter into early spring.

Light

Part shade to filtered light

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late fall through winter to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Foundation Plantings
Specimen Plants
Woodland Gardens
Shade Gardens

Companion plants

Pieris · Hakone grass · Bamboo · Viburnum · Snowdrop · Bergenia

Design tip

Strong fragrance deserves a spot where it can become part of everyday garden life. Near a sheltered entrance, patio, or well-traveled path, this camellia can create a memorable winter experience, combining soft pink color with perfume during months when outdoor spaces often feel quieter.