While some houseplants are highly useful, others are pretty and showy. However, some houseplants are both. Camellia Japonica aka Japanese Camellia falls into this distinctive category. Nearly all parts of this showy flower plant carry medicinal properties and are used for their anti-viral, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Although slow growing, this evergreen shrub is a great addition to any garden.
Available in thousands of cultivars, they are the dream plant of a green-fingered person looking for lasting beauty with medicinal value.
See also: Magnolia liliiflora: Learn how to grow and care for the Japanese magnolia
See Also: Cissus quadrangularis: How useful is this medicinal herb?
Camellia Japonica: Facts
Botanical name: Camellia Japonica Common name: Japanese Camellia, Common Camellia Family: Theaceae Native: China, Korea, Japan Plant type: Evergreen shrub Soil: Well-drained loamy or sandy soil Sun: Partial Water: Moderate Toxicity: None Maintenance: Moderate to high |
Read all about the Echinochloa crus-galli or, the Japanese millet
Camellia Japonica: Physical description
Available in an assorted range of pink, white and red, the blooms range from the anemone, single and semi-double shapes to double, rose-form double and peony forms.
Not for a rookie or impatient gardener, these plants can either be a woody shrub or a small tree that requires the perfect setting to slowly grow up. In an ideal setting, this plant, also known as the Rose of Winter, can reach up to 20 feet. With an average height of 6-12 feet, they can live for 100 years in an ideal situation.
see also about Echinochloa Colona
Medicinal value
Largely exploited for ornamental purposes, this plant has great medicinal properties. The leaves and flowers have anti-viral, anti-oxidant, neuroprotective, hypolipidemic, anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties and have been used as a local medicine in its native areas. In traditional Japanese, Chinese and Korean medicines the plant is used for the treatment of stomach illness, bleeding and inflammation. Its oil, along with sesame seed oil, is used for burns and scalds. The plant is also believed to have anti-cancer properties.
Tips to grow
Soil
Use a potting mix with 50% or more organic material to grow the plant in a container. Make sure that the soil has a pH of 6 to 6.5 (slightly acidic). Keep the soil moist.
Read also: Everything about pH of soil
Planting
Camellias should be planted in the fall, winter or spring. In cold areas, they must be planted in spring so that their roots firm up before the cold sets in. Don’t plant them too close in a garden as they need space.
Exposure to elements
Too much sun and extreme cold are not good for the plant.
Water
Water regularly in the initial years. Later, only summer watering will be required.
Pruning
The plant has a natural shape and does not require much pruning.
Bloom time
Varieties of Camellias bloom from late fall to mid-spring.
Infestation
Keep checking for leaf spots, flower blight, cankers and scale insects. Neem oil would take care of most of the problems with your plant.
FAQs
Which bird pollinates Camellia Japonica?
Camellia Japonica is pollinated by the Japanese white-eye bird.
Camellia Japonica is the state flower of which state?
Camellia Japonica is the state flower of Alabama.
How long can Camellia Japonica last?
Camellia Japonica can last up to 100 years.
An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal, Sunita Mishra brings over 16 years of expertise to the fields of legal matters, financial insights, and property market trends. Recognised for her ability to elucidate complex topics, her articles serve as a go-to resource for home buyers navigating intricate subjects. Through her extensive career, she has been associated with esteemed organisations like the Financial Express, Hindustan Times, Network18, All India Radio, and Business Standard.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sunita holds an MA degree in Sanskrit, with a specialisation in Indian Philosophy, from Delhi University. Outside of her work schedule, she likes to unwind by practising Yoga, and pursues her passion for travel.
[email protected]
Related Posts
Kurinji: Facts, benefits, growth and care tips.
Sarpagandha: Know uses, benefits and side effects.
Justicia Gendarussa: Facts, medicinal uses, grow and care tips.
Hibiscus Syriacus: How to grow and care for Rose of Sharon?.
How to grow and care for Nightshade plants?.
Khair tree: How to grow and care for Senegalia Catechu?.
