Plant field guide
Camellia (Debutante)
A classic Southern camellia with large, peony-form flowers in soft shell pink. Blooms from late winter to early spring when little else is flowering. Glossy dark green evergreen foliage provides year-round structure.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Camellia japonica 'Debutante'
- Sun
- partial shade
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 72 in (183 cm) – 120 in (305 cm)
- Spread
- 48 in (122 cm) – 72 in (183 cm)
- Spacing
- Not recorded
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 7–9; average annual extreme minimum from 0°F (-17.8°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- moderate
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: April, May.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Morning sun, afternoon shade is ideal. Never plant deeper than the root ball. Acidic, well-drained soil essential. Drop-prone petals - avoid planting over walkways. Mulch heavily.
Pruning
Prune right after flowering ends. Shape as needed. Remove dead or crossing branches.
Fertilizer
Acid-loving plant fertilizer (azalea/camellia type)
After bloom in spring and midsummer
Mulch
3-4 inches of pine bark or pine straw.