This camellia from Japan makes a large shrub or small tree, which, in temperate climates, will survive all but the harshest of winters outdoors, as long as it is growing in the acid conditions it prefers. It can be grown under cover, but needs a cool, light, airy position, such as an unheated conservatory, sunroom, or porch.

A number of cultivars are available. All have leaves of glossy, dark green and flowers in a range of colors from white through to dark red. These may be single, semi double, and double, and are produced from late winter until summer, according to variety.

Size: Variable, up to 50 ft. (15 m) high.

Light: Indirect sunlight.

Temperature: Keep cool; 45—60°F (7—15°C). Avoid frost.

Moisture: Keep thoroughly moist at all times.

Feeding: Give standard liquid fertil­izer every two weeks over spring and summer.

Propagation: In summer, take semi- ripe cuttings, with at least ¾ in. (2 cm) of brown woody stem at the base. They need rooting hormone and bottom heat — from an electric propa­gator, for example.

Special needs: As essentially outdoor plants, it is preferable to bring camel­lias indoors only while they are in flower, unless they can be kept cool.