{"product_id":"1-otome-camellia-japonica-starter-plant-rare-evergreen-ornamental-shrub","title":"1 Otome Camellia Japonica Starter Plant | Rare Evergreen Ornamental Shrub","description":"\u003cp\u003eOtome Camellia Japonica is a rare and highly collectible evergreen shrub prized for its variable, delicate blooms. This Japanese camellia produces semi-double to formal double flowers in soft shades of pink, often with white edges or streaks, creating a charming and unpredictable display each season. The glossy, dark green foliage provides year-round structure and beauty in the garden, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, foundation plantings, and container culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a starter plant, Otome Camellia offers gardeners the opportunity to establish a unique ornamental shrub that will grow in beauty and character over time. Its compact, upright habit and elegant blooms make it a standout specimen for collectors and camellia enthusiasts alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly variable blooms ranging from semi-double to formal double in pink and white tones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEvergreen shrub with glossy, dark green foliage for year-round interest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact, upright growth habit suitable for small gardens and containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlooms in late winter to early spring, providing color when little else is in flower\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRare and sought-after ornamental camellia for collectors and enthusiasts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Camellia japonica\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen shrub\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Partial shade to filtered sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moist, well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compact, upright\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Season:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late winter to early spring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7 to 9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 to 10 feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4 to 6 feet apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant your Otome Camellia starter in a location with partial shade to filtered sunlight, protected from harsh afternoon sun and drying winds. Prepare a planting hole in well-draining, acidic soil amended with organic matter such as compost or peat moss. Set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its nursery pot, backfill gently, and water thoroughly to settle the soil. Apply a layer of mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk, to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, camellias benefit from consistent moisture, especially during dry periods and when buds are forming. Fertilize lightly in spring with an acid-loving plant fertilizer, following package directions. Prune after blooming, if needed, to shape the plant or remove dead or crossing branches. With proper care, this rare camellia will reward you with years of elegant winter and early spring blooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne (1) Otome Camellia Japonica starter plant.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67739734933814,"sku":"EDNA-077","price":84.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.8138964129_mfrd.jpg?v=1792114816","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/1-otome-camellia-japonica-starter-plant-rare-evergreen-ornamental-shrub","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}