Colonel Firey Camellia
Best evergreen shrub for gardeners in mild climates seeking winter color.
The Colonel Firey Camellia is a prized evergreen shrub celebrated for its spectacular, very large blooms. It features formal, dark red flowers that provide a striking contrast against the glossy, dark green foliage. This variety brightens the garden landscape from winter through mid-spring, making it ideal for milder regions. It grows slowly to a mature height and spread of 8 feet. For optimal health, plant in organically rich, well-drained, acidic soil and ensure regular deep watering during the first growing season. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape.
$89.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1635
/ 2688
#1635 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+128%
Above average
Family Name
Camellia
/ Camellia
Who it's for
- Homeowners in cooler climates wanting reliable, hardy evergreen shrubs
- Landscapers looking for elegant, year-round privacy screening solutions
- Gardeners seeking vibrant color during the late winter months
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with alkaline soil or heavy clay conditions
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, full-sized privacy coverage
- Busy gardeners unable to monitor for common plant pests
Performance breakdown
Bloom Impact
Large, formal red flowers create a high-contrast focal point.
Year-Round Structure
Evergreen foliage maintains garden architecture throughout all four seasons.
Climate Versatility
Thrives best in milder regions, limiting its geographic range.
Maintenance Ease
Requires specific soil acidity and consistent moisture for peak health.
Growth Predictability
Slow, steady development makes long-term landscape planning straightforward.
Seasonal Interest
Provides essential color during the dormant winter and early spring.
Key Specs
Family Name
Camellia
Genus Name
Camellia
Light Needs
Partial Shade
Mature Height
8 feet
Mature Width
8 feet
Foliage Color
Green
Bloom Time
Winter through Mid-Spring
Growth Rate
Slow
Features
- Produces spectacular, very large, formal dark red blooms
- Features glossy, dark green foliage that contrasts beautifully with the flowers
- Evergreen habit provides year-round structure in the landscape
- Prized plant suitable for use in borders, containers, or woodland gardens
- Flowers appear reliably from winter into mid-spring
- Thrives in milder climate regions
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Colonel Firey Camellia for its exceptional quality and robust health right out of the box. Reviewers frequently highlight the plant's reliable, deep red blooms and strong structure, noting that it establishes quickly in the garden. While Monrovia products carry a premium price, consumers feel the superior plant stock and dependable performance justify the investment, making it a highly recommended choice for adding vibrant winter color.
Know before you buy
This variety grows slowly and will reach a mature height and width of approximately 8 feet. Because of its steady growth rate, it is easy to manage in most landscape settings.
The Colonel Firey Camellia thrives in partial shade. Avoid planting it in areas with intense, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage.
Yes, it performs best in organically rich, well-drained, and acidic soil. If your native soil is alkaline, you may need to amend it or consider planting in a container with an acidic potting mix.
You will enjoy its large, dark red blooms from winter through mid-spring. It is an excellent choice for adding color to the garden when most other plants are still dormant.
While it doesn't require heavy maintenance, light pruning immediately after the flowering season ends can help you maintain a desired shape and encourage denser growth.
Yes, its evergreen habit and slow growth rate make it a great candidate for large containers. Just ensure the pot has adequate drainage and that you use an acidic, high-quality potting medium.
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$90