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R.L. Wheeler Camellia

$5995 $9995
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Your Plants are Guaranteed to Grow

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your R.L. Wheeler Camellia

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.
What Customers say about the R.L. Wheeler Camellia:

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'

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Full view of an R.L. Wheeler Camellia tree with vibrant reddish-pink flowers in a landscaped yard.

Beware- not all R.L. Wheeler Camellias are the same.

Be sure to get superior camellias, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" camellias to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you R.L. Wheeler Camellias in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that will explode with growth and blooms!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall camellias in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" shrub, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy shrub.

R.L. Wheeler Camellia shrub with multiple large pink flowers, glossy green leaves, and a flower bud.

R.L. Wheeler is known for some of the biggest blooms of any camellia- bold rose-pink flowers against glossy evergreen leaves.

  • Huge flowers up to 6 inches across, often streaked with white
  • Long bloom season from late winter through early spring
  • Large evergreen shrub: grows 10-12 ft. tall and 8-10 ft. wide for screens or specimens
  • Handles weather extremes well and grows in zones 7-9

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

Unmanicured RL Wheeler camellia mature with natural variegation.

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure plants including the pot and roots, so the plant you receive is much smaller than you expected. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!
RL Wheeler camellia in a black nursery pot with red flowers and glossy green leaves.

You Want R.L. Wheeler Camellias Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship small, weak camellias grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" plants struggle after planting and take longer to bloom well.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong R.L. Wheeler Camellias, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means they settle in quickly and start producing those huge, showy blooms sooner.

Read more about the R.L. Wheeler Camellia

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about the R.L. Wheeler Camellia

How big are R.L. Wheeler Camellia flowers?

R.L. Wheeler Camellia flowers can reach up to 6 inches across, making them among the largest camellia blooms available. The semi-double to incomplete double flowers are rose-pink to reddish-pink, and many plants produce both solid and white-streaked variegated blooms for a hand-painted effect.

When does R.L. Wheeler Camellia bloom?

R.L. Wheeler Camellia is a midseason bloomer, typically flowering from late winter through early spring. The long-lasting blooms keep coming for weeks, adding bold color when most other plants are dormant. They also make excellent cut flowers, a favorite with floral designers.

How big does an R.L. Wheeler Camellia get?

An R.L. Wheeler Camellia typically grows 10 to 12 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide at maturity. It works well as a large foundation shrub, specimen plant, or flowering privacy screen. Plan for its mature width when planting near walls, walkways, or other shrubs.

What zones does R.L. Wheeler Camellia grow in?

R.L. Wheeler Camellia grows in USDA zones 7 through 9. It has a reputation for handling weather extremes well. In the colder parts of its range, add an extra layer of mulch in late fall to protect the roots, and shelter young plants from extreme cold with a light covering.

How much sun does R.L. Wheeler Camellia need?

R.L. Wheeler Camellia does best in partial shade, ideally with morning sun and afternoon shade. Full shade can reduce flowering, while too much afternoon sun can scorch the foliage. Choose a sheltered spot away from strong winds and intense winter sunlight.

How do you plant an R.L. Wheeler Camellia?

Plant an R.L. Wheeler Camellia in a hole twice as wide as the root ball and slightly shallower, so the top sits 1 to 2 inches above ground level. Backfill with soil amended with pine bark or compost, water thoroughly, and add 2 to 3 inches of mulch.

What soil does R.L. Wheeler Camellia need?

R.L. Wheeler Camellia needs acidic, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. In clay soil, amend with composted pine bark, peat moss, or leaf mold to improve drainage and acidity. Avoid spots that stay soggy, since camellias are prone to root rot in poorly drained ground.

How often should I water an R.L. Wheeler Camellia?

Water a newly planted R.L. Wheeler Camellia deeply once or twice a week, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Increase watering during hot, dry spells to prevent stress and bud drop. After the first year, it becomes moderately drought-tolerant but still benefits from deep watering in droughts.

When should I fertilize an R.L. Wheeler Camellia?

Fertilize an R.L. Wheeler Camellia after it finishes blooming in spring, using a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons. Do not fertilize right after planting. A lighter midsummer feeding is optional, and heavy fall feeding should be avoided while buds develop.

What pests affect R.L. Wheeler Camellia?

The most common pests on R.L. Wheeler Camellia are tea scale and aphids. Check the undersides of leaves regularly and treat infestations promptly with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Yellowing leaves are more often a sign of poor drainage or soil pH issues than pests.
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