R.L. Wheeler Camellia
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 30 Day Plant Promise. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If not, just call us at (704) 443-8256.
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free shipping on all orders. Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
How We Ship Your Plants
Ordering live plants online should feel exciting, not stressful! We only ship healthy, well-rooted trees and plants!
Beware- not all plant nurseries are the same! Others can cut corners to save money:
- We never ship bareroot plants
- We never cut roots to fit into a small box
- We always ship plants with healthy, developed roots so they establish faster at your home
- We focus on plant health first- not minimizing shipping costs
A strong root system is the foundation for long-term success, and we believe your plant should arrive ready to thrive- not struggling to recover from shortcuts.
How we Select Your Plants
Once you place your order, our nursery team selects your plant and inspects it to make sure it meets our quality standards. Every plant we ship is chosen for:
- Strong health and vibrant foliage
- A well-developed root system
- Correct sizing based on your order
We take pride in sending plants that are ready to succeed when they arrive at your home. We try our best to exceed your expectations!
Once your plants are selected, we give them a drink of water before their journey. Then, we wrap each plant's roots up in a plastic bag, so that they do not dry out during shipping.
Carefully Packed & Protected
Live plants can’t be packed like ordinary boxes, so we do it differently.
Your plant is carefully secured inside a strong shipping box to protect it while traveling. Packaging may include:
- Support materials for stability
- Protection around the pot and roots
- Reinforced boxing for added protection
For larger trees, we use oversize boxes designed to safely accommodate the size and structure of your plant during shipping.
Sometimes, you will receive multiple plants inside a box. This is helpful because it can evenly distribute the weight throughout the box, which helps keeps the plants safe and secure throughout delivery.
Fast & Reliable with FedEx
Most Nationwide Plants orders ship with FedEx. Over the years, we’ve found FedEx to be the best carrier for live plants, especially larger items, because:
- They deliver quickest across the country
- They are the most gentle with live plants
- Faster transit means less plant stress
Once your order ships, we will email you tracking information so you can follow your delivery from our nursery to your doorstep.
We ship Monday through Friday. Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom shipping date.
Multiple Nursery Locations
We ship from multiple locations across the country, including both the East Coast and West Coast. This allows us to:
- Deliver faster in more regions
- Reduce time in transit for your plants
- Ship large items more efficiently
How We Measure Your Trees
We measure tree height from the soil line, not including the pot.
That means when you order a 5-6 ft. tree, you’re getting a tree that is 5-6 ft. tall above the soil, not “including the container.” This gives you a good idea of what to expect when your trees arrive, and what they will look like when they are in the ground.
After Your Plants Arrive
It’s completely normal for a plant to look slightly different after shipping. Your plant has been traveling in a box, so you may notice:
- Minor leaf drop
- Soil that shifted slightly in the pot
- Temporary drooping from being in a darker environment
In most cases, your plant perks up quickly once it’s unboxed, watered (if needed), and placed in the proper environment.
Unboxing Your Plants
When your plants arrive, we recommend:
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Open carefully (avoid cutting into foliage)
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Remove all packing materials
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Check soil moisture (If the soil feels dry, give it a thorough watering)
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Let the plant recover (Give it a little fresh air after shipping)
If you ever have questions or concerns, we’re happy to help!
Our 30-Day Plant Promise
We stand behind every order we ship with our 30-Day Plant Promise.
If your plant dies within 30 days of delivery, we will replace it or refund it. We’ve found that if there are ever issues, they typically show up in the first 30 days- so this guarantee gives our customers real peace of mind.
If anything doesn’t look right, contact us and we’ll help you troubleshoot quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship bare-root plants?
No. We ship in soil with an established root system for the best success after delivery.
How fast will my order ship?
Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom ship date.
Will my plant survive shipping?
Yes. Plants are resilient when packed correctly and shipped quickly. Our process is designed to protect your plant throughout transit.
What if my plant arrives droopy?
This is usually temporary from being in a dark box. Unbox promptly, check moisture, and allow time to adjust. If you’re concerned, reach out—we’re here to help.
Want Bigger Plants?
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The R.L. Wheeler Camellia thrives in Zones 7-9 
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
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
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.