Pink Camellia 'Debbie

Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking

Pink flower Camellia japonica 'Debbie

Credit: Gail Hampshire

Pink flower Camellia japonica 'Debbie

Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking

Camellia japonica 'Debbie', a cultivar with bright pink flowers

Camellia japonica 'Debbie', also known as Camellia williamsii 'Debbie', is a member of the Theaceae family. In Hebrew, Debbie means "bee". No wonder, then, for this variety whose bright pink flowers attract pollinators!

How to recognize Camellia japonica 'Debbie'?

Camellia japonica 'Debbie' is an upright shrubthat can be trained as a small tree. At maturity, it can reach a height of four meters and a spread of two meters.

The oval leaves are slightly pointed at the tips. Dark green and glossy, they remain on the plant all year round.

But it's in winter, between January and April, that this camellia displays its most beautiful colors. Bright pink flowers appear. These double, peony-like flowers measure between eight and ten centimetres. They retain their radiance throughout flowering, and even after they've faded.

Like its ancestor, japanese Camellia, Camellia japonica 'Debbie' is not a poisonous plant. This cultivar presents no danger to pets or humans.

Our maintenance tips

Debbie' Camellias are not difficult plants to care for. But they hate limestone. You need to provide them with acid soil and water them with rainwater.

Watering

Debbie' Camellias can withstand neither drought nor excess water.

Before watering, check the condition of the potting soil. The surface must be at least one centimeter dry.

Repotting

Get a pierced pot that's wider than it is tall. Roots tend to spread out rather than grow deep. Fill the bottom with clay balls to optimize drainage.

Debbie' Camellias grow in acid soils. Prepare a mixture containing 50% heather earth and 50% universal potting soil. Pour on a layer and plant your subject. Fill in with your substrate and press down.

Water with rainwater to expel air bubbles and encourage rooting.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Camellia japonica ‘Debbie’, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Fertilize with a fertilizer for acid-loving plants. You can choose a hydrangea or bougainvillea fertilizer, for example.

Prune

Remove wilted flowers that don't fall off by themselves.

You don't have to prune your camellia 'Debbie. However, it may be beneficial to cut back dry twigs. You can also cut back branches by about ten centimetres after flowering to force the plant to branch out.

Always use a clean, sharp tool to promote healing and prevent disease.

Plantation

When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.

Choose a shady or semi-shadylocation, away from other plantings. Indeed, debbie' Camellias have shallow roots and can't stand competition from other species. You can, however, plant several varieties side by side to form a hedge.

Soak the root ball in rainwater. Meanwhile, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball.

Debbie' Camellias require acid soil. If your soil is acidic, plant the plant and fill in with garden soil.

If your soil is chalky, sandy or basic, place a geothermal felt at the bottom of your hole. Mix equal parts heather soil and universal potting soil. Pour in a layer of substrate, then plant your shrub. Fill in with your mixture.

Mulch to keep the soil cool and protect the roots from the cold. You can use pine bark, for example, which will add acidity as it decomposes.

Water generously with recuperated rainwater to facilitate rooting.

Cutting

Take a lignified branch about fifteen centimeters long. Remove the flowers and keep only the top pair of leaves.

Prune the tip of your cutting to encourage roots to appear. Using a clean knife, bevel the end of the branch and remove about two centimetres of bark.

You can dip the tip in cutting hormone.

Obtain a perforated pot. Fill it with a mixture of potting soil, sand and heather. Make a pilot hole and plant your cutting.

Cutting is done in a smothered state. Place your cutting in a mini greenhouse or transparent box. You can also cover it with a translucent plastic bag.

Spray the leaves and substrate to maintain a moist atmosphere, and aerate for a few minutes each day.

Keep your cutting indoors, in a bright, heated room.

Diseases / Threats

Aphids

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Theaceae - Theaceae
Type	Camellia - Camellia
Species	Japanese Camellia - Camellia japonica
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Half-shade Shade
Substrats	Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs
Categories	Shrub Flowery
Tags	Beginner Flowery Rustic Soiffarde
Origin	Southeast Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	7b
Leaf color
Flower color