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R.L. Wheeler Camellia

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The Biggest Flowers: These double-blooms have been called the "biggest flowers on a camellia", for good reason. These striking blooms reach up to 6 inches wide! The vibrant blooms really pop against its green evergreen foliage.

Long Blooming Season: The R.L. Wheeler Camellia blooms from Winter to Spring, giving you huge flowers for weeks longer than other varieties.

Very Easy to Grow: This evergreen is low maintenance, and can grow in warmer zones that give over camellias a hard time.

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Planting & Care

Planting Instructions for R.L. Wheeler Camellia
(Camellia japonica 'R.L. Wheeler')

The R.L. Wheeler Camellia is a beautiful evergreen shrub, known for its large, double, rose-pink blooms. Blooming from late winter to early spring, it makes a stunning addition to shaded garden areas, woodland gardens, or as a formal hedge. Below are detailed planting and care instructions to help it thrive in your landscape.

Planting Instructions

1. Site Selection

  • Choose a location with partial shade, ideally morning sun with afternoon shade. Full shade can reduce flowering, while too much afternoon sun can scorch the foliage.
  • Plant in a sheltered spot, away from strong winds and protected from intense winter sunlight.

2. Soil Preparation

  • Camellias prefer acidic, well-draining soil.
  • The soil should be rich in organic matter. If your soil is clay-heavy, amend it with composted pine bark, peat moss, or leaf mold to improve drainage and acidity.
  • Ensure the planting site does not stay soggy, as Camellias are prone to root rot in poorly drained soils.

3. Planting Process

  • Dig a hole twice as wide but only slightly shallower than the height of the root ball. The top of the root ball should sit 1 to 2 inches above ground level to prevent settling too deep, which can lead to root problems.
  • Create a low mound at the base of the hole to support the root ball.
  • Gently place the plant in the hole and backfill with amended soil, firming it gently to eliminate air pockets.
  • Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
  • Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch, such as pine straw or shredded bark, around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Care Instructions (First 12 Months)

1. Watering

  • Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Deep water the plant once or twice a week, adjusting frequency depending on rainfall and temperature.
  • In hot or dry periods, increase watering to prevent stress and bud drop.

2. Fertilizing

  • Do not fertilize immediately after planting. Wait until the plant has completed its first bloom cycle.
  • After blooming in spring, apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, such as azaleas and rhododendrons. Follow package instructions carefully.
  • A second, lighter feeding in mid-summer can be beneficial but is not always necessary.

3. Monitoring for Problems

  • Check regularly for yellowing leaves, which may indicate poor drainage or soil pH issues.
  • Inspect for common pests like tea scale and aphids. Treat infestations promptly with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

1. Watering

  • Once established (after the first year), Camellias become moderately drought-tolerant. Continue deep watering during extended dry spells, especially in the heat of summer.

2. Pruning

  • Prune right after flowering ends in spring, if needed, to shape the plant or remove dead or damaged wood.
  • Avoid pruning in late summer or fall, as this can remove next year’s developing flower buds.

3. Fertilizing

  • Apply a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants in early spring after flowering. Over-fertilizing can damage the plant, so use fertilizers sparingly and according to instructions.

4. Seasonal Care

  • In colder regions (USDA Zones 7 to 9), add an extra layer of mulch in late fall to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
  • Refresh mulch each spring to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Why Choose Our R.L. Wheeler Camellia

True R.L. Wheeler, Grown by Experts
We propagate from verified stock to ensure you receive an authentic R.L. Wheeler Camellia, known for its large, semi-double, deep rose-pink blooms and glossy evergreen foliage. No off-types, no surprises—just the consistent quality this variety is valued for.

Right-Sized Containers for Healthy Roots
Some growers keep camellias in pots that are too small, causing roots to become bound and stressed. Others may shift smaller plants into larger pots right before shipping to make them appear bigger. We don’t take shortcuts. Our R.L. Wheeler Camellias are grown in properly sized containers from the start, promoting strong root systems and vigorous, lasting growth.

Shipped in Soil, Never Bare Root
Bare root camellias are more vulnerable to dehydration and transplant shock, often delaying establishment. We ship our camellias in soil-filled containers, protecting their roots and ensuring they arrive healthy and ready to thrive.

Grown for Longevity
Some nurseries rush plants to market before they’re fully established, resulting in weak, underperforming shrubs. We take the time to grow our R.L. Wheeler Camellias with care, developing balanced branching and healthy roots for dependable performance year after year.

The R.L. Wheeler Camellia thrives in Zones 7-9

Growing Zones for the R.L. Wheeler Camellia

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the R.L. Wheeler Camellia.
Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 7-9
Mature Height 10-12 ft.
Mature Width 8-10 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full to Partial Sun
Botanical Name Camellia japonica 'R.L. Wheeler'

The R.L. Wheeler Camellia thrives in Zones 7-9

Growing Zones for the R.L. Wheeler Camellia

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the R.L. Wheeler Camellia.
Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 7-9
Mature Height 10-12 ft.
Mature Width 8-10 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full to Partial Sun
Botanical Name Camellia japonica 'R.L. Wheeler'

Description

The Biggest Camellia Blooms You Can Find

R.L. Wheeler Camellia is a stunning variety of Camellia japonica, admired for its large, semi-double to incomplete double rose blooms, which can reach up to 6 inches in diameter. Its vibrant reddish-pink petals, often streaked or splashed with white (variegated), create a striking display. This camellia is an excellent choice for adding bold color, elegance, and lush evergreen foliage to the landscape.

Why You’ll Love the R.L. Wheeler Camellia

Huge, Showy Blooms – One of the largest-flowered camellias available, with rose-pink blossoms that stand out in any garden. Many plants produce solid and variegated flowers, offering a unique display.

Long Blooming Season – Flowers from midseason, typically late winter through early spring, bringing color when most other plants are dormant.

Evergreen Foliage – Glossy, dark green leaves provide year-round beauty and contrast beautifully with the bright flowers.

Shade-Tolerant – Thrives in partial shade, making it an excellent choice for wooded gardens or areas with dappled sunlight.

Cold Hardy – Suitable for USDA zones 7–10, it withstands cooler temperatures better than some other camellia varieties. It has stood weather extremes exceedingly well.

Low Maintenance – Once established, it requires minimal care, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Standout Features

The R.L. Wheeler Camellia is beloved for its exquisite flower form. Its blooms resemble a mix between a rose and a peony, creating a full, layered look that adds an elegant charm to your landscape. The petals have a soft, ruffled appearance, and each flower can be uniquely streaked with white, giving them a hand-painted effect.

Another distinguishing trait is its long-lasting blooms. Unlike some plants that flower briefly, this camellia produces continuous blossoms for weeks, ensuring your garden stays vibrant even in late winter.

Landscaping Ideas

The R.L. Wheeler Camellia is an excellent addition to various garden styles:

Foundation Planting – Its evergreen foliage makes it perfect for planting in wide garden beds along house foundations, providing year-round greenery.

Mixed Borders – Pair it with azaleas, rhododendrons, or ferns for a layered, woodland garden effect.

Accent Plant – Its striking flowers make it a great standalone focal point in a garden bed or large container.

Hedging or Screening – Can be planted in a row to create a natural privacy screen.

Interesting Facts About the R.L. Wheeler Camellia

  • This variety originated from Wheeler Nursery in Macon, Georgia, introduced in 1949.
  • It is a sport of the well-known "Debutante" Camellia, meaning it naturally mutated from that cultivar to develop its unique characteristics.
  • It was granted Plant Patent No. 1137 (expired now, originally patented in 1950).
  • Camellias have been cultivated in Japan and China for centuries, valued for their beauty and association with tea plants (Camellia sinensis).
  • The R.L. Wheeler Camellia’s long-lasting cut flowers make it a favorite among floral designers.

How to Care for Your Camellia Year-Round

Spring & Summer: New growth appears; fertilize with an acidic plant food after blooming. Keep it well-watered in hot weather.

Fall & Winter: Flower buds develop in fall, so avoid excessive fertilizing at this stage. Protect young plants from extreme cold with a light covering.

Bring Year-Round Elegance to Your Garden

If you want a showstopping, easy-to-care-for evergreen with massive, eye-catching blooms, the R.L. Wheeler Camellia is the perfect choice. Its vibrant pink flowers, glossy foliage, and long bloom season make it a standout in any landscape. Whether used as a hedge, specimen plant, or container feature, this camellia is sure to bring lasting beauty to your outdoor space.
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