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Key characteristics

Family: Theaceae
Height: 6 to 8 feet
Width: 4 to 6 feet
Flower color: Deep coral-red
Foliage color: Glossy, dark green
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Consistently moist soil, avoid waterlogged conditions
Maintenance: Regular pruning after flowering to maintain shape
Growing zone: 7 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts pollinators like bees, not favored by deer

Shrubs

Camellia x williamsii ‘Freedom Bell’

Freedom Bell Camellia

Camellia x williamsii 'Freedom Bell' is a beautiful evergreen shrub, a hybrid of Camellia japonica and Camellia saluenensis, prized for its large, semi-double to peony-form deep coral-red flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring. Its glossy, dark green, oval-shaped foliage provides an attractive backdrop to the vibrant flowers. Known for its vigorous growth and ease of maintenance, 'Freedom Bell' thrives in partial to full shade and well-draining, acidic soil.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Consistently moist soil, avoid waterlogged conditions

Bloom time

Late winter to early 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

Deep coral-red flowers can create a strong focal point in a shady garden, particularly when viewed against quieter greens. Carry a few touches of red into another part of the landscape to create rhythm and visually connect separate planting areas without making the design feel repetitive.