Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse

Description

Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse is a hybrid camellia that was first introduced in 1926. It was named after the famous British botanist, Sir William Wright Smith’s assistant, Ernest Waterhouse. It is a cross between the Chinese Camellia saluenensis and the Japanese Camellia japonica. This evergreen shrub is popular among gardeners because of its stunning blooms that can be seen from fall to winter.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse has dark green, glossy leaves that are oval-shaped and pointed. The flowers are large and showy, with a diameter of 3-4 inches. They come in various shades of pink, red, and white. The blooms have a ruffled appearance and are semi-double or double. The petals are layered and have a soft, velvety texture. The flowers bloom in the fall to winter season and can last for several weeks.

Care Guide

Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse is a low maintenance plant. However, it still requires proper care to thrive. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:Water: Camellias need regular watering, especially during the growing season. They prefer moist but well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and early summer. Avoid fertilizing during the fall and winter.Soil: Camellias prefer acidic soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. They also prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Camellias prefer partial shade or filtered sunlight. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can damage the leaves and flowers.Hardiness Zones: Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse is susceptible to various pests and diseases. Here are some common ones to watch out for:Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and scale insects can infest the plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.Diseases: Camellia petal blight, root rot, and leaf gall are common diseases that affect Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse. Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Fungicides can be used to control petal blight and leaf gall.

Habitat

Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse is native to China and Japan. It prefers a mild climate with moderate rainfall. The plant grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can be found in gardens and parks worldwide.

Questions and Answers

Q: Can Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse tolerate full sunlight?
A: Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves and flowers.Q: How often should I water my Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse?
A: Camellias need regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.Q: What is the ideal pH range for Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse?
A: Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse prefers acidic soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse?
A: Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse:

• Camellia japonica
• Camellia sasanqua
• Camellia reticulata
• Camellia sinensis

References

• “Camellia Williamsii.” Royal Horticultural Society, https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/17221/Camellia-Williamsii-(Williamsii-Group)/Details. Accessed 26 July 2021.
• “Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse.” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b819. Accessed 26 July 2021.
• “Camellia Williamsii E.G. Waterhouse.” Plant Care Today, https://plantcaretoday.com/camellia-williamsii.html. Accessed 26 July 2021.