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Description
Camellia Japonica Mathotiana Alba is a beautiful evergreen shrub that belongs to the Camellia family. It is a popular plant to grow in gardens because of its stunning flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring. The flowers are large, white, and have a beautiful scent. This plant is native to Japan and can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It has a slow growth rate and can live up to 50 years with proper care.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Theaceae |
| Genus | Camellia |
Appearance
The Camellia Japonica Mathotiana Alba has glossy, dark green leaves that are about 3-5 inches long. The flowers are large, white, and have a diameter of about 4-5 inches. They have a beautiful fragrance and are double-petaled. The petals are arranged in a symmetrical pattern and have a waxy texture. The plant blooms in late winter or early spring and can produce up to 200 flowers during the blooming season. The plant is slow-growing and can take up to 10 years to reach its full height of 10 feet.
Care Guide
The Camellia Japonica Mathotiana Alba requires a moderate amount of care and attention to thrive. Below are some tips for taking care of your plant:
Water
The plant requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water the plant deeply, but make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in the summer. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter months as it can damage the roots.
Soil
The plant prefers well-drained, acidic soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. If the soil is too alkaline, the plant may develop yellow leaves and fail to thrive.
Sunlight
The Camellia Japonica Mathotiana Alba prefers partial shade to full shade. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn and the flowers to wilt.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in zones 7 to 9. If you live in a colder climate, you can still grow the plant in a container and bring it indoors during the winter months.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Camellia Japonica Mathotiana Alba is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
Pests
- Scale insects
- Aphids
- Spider mites
Diseases
- Root rot
- Petal blight
- Canker
To prevent these issues, make sure the plant is grown in well-drained soil, and avoid overwatering. Prune any damaged or diseased branches to prevent the spread of disease.
Habitat
The Camellia Japonica Mathotiana Alba is native to Japan and is commonly found in forests and woodlands. It prefers to grow in acidic soil and partial to full shade. The plant has been introduced to other countries and is now widely grown in gardens and parks.
Questions and Answers
Q: How often should I water my Camellia Japonica Mathotiana Alba?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently during dry spells. Make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
Q: Can I grow Camellia Japonica Mathotiana Alba in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow the plant in a container. Make sure the container has drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix. Bring the plant indoors during the winter months if you live in a colder climate.
Q: How do I prune my Camellia Japonica Mathotiana Alba?
A: Prune the plant in early spring after the blooming season. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and shape the plant as desired. Avoid pruning the plant during the winter months as it can damage the plant.
Q: Can I propagate my Camellia Japonica Mathotiana Alba?
A: Yes, you can propagate the plant through cuttings. Take a cutting from a healthy branch in the spring or summer and root it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a shaded area until it roots.
Related Plants
- Camellia Japonica
- Camellia Sasanqua
- Camellia Sinensis
- Camellia Reticulata
References
- “Camellia Japonica Mathotiana Alba.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287225.
- “Camellia Japonica.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/6763/camellia-japonica/details.
- “Camellia Japonica Mathotiana Alba.” PlantFiles. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/58323/.
