Tom Knudsen Camellia
Best evergreen shrub for adding vibrant winter color to garden landscapes.
The Tom Knudsen Camellia is a prized flowering evergreen, celebrated for its spectacular blooms. It features formal, dark red flowers accented by deep red veining, creating a dazzling contrast against its glossy, dark green foliage. This medium-growth plant thrives in milder regions, making it an excellent choice for woodland borders, foundation plantings, or as a formal hedge. It offers visual interest from early to mid-season, extending into fall and winter with its vibrant color display. This variety is well-suited for container growing or mass planting.
$59.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1768
/ 2693
#1768 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
+37%
Above average
Foliage Type
Evergreen
/ Evergreen
Who it's for
- Homeowners wanting year-round architectural greenery
- Gardeners seeking dramatic, sophisticated winter floral displays
- Landscapers needing vibrant color during the dormant season
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners unable to monitor for common pest issues
- Gardeners with alkaline or poorly draining soil conditions
- Owners of gardens with only full-sun planting locations
Performance breakdown
Bloom Visual Impact
Deep red veining creates a sophisticated, high-contrast aesthetic for any garden.
Year-Round Foliage
Glossy, evergreen leaves maintain structural interest long after the blooms fade.
Winter Color Utility
Provides essential, vibrant color during the dormant late-season months.
Landscape Versatility
Adapts seamlessly from formal hedges to standalone container displays.
Shade Tolerance
Thrives in low-light conditions where many other flowering shrubs struggle.
Growth Manageability
Reaches a substantial eight-foot stature, requiring thoughtful placement for optimal spacing.
Key Specs
Foliage Type
Evergreen
Mature Height
8 feet
Mature Width
8 feet
Light Needs
Shade, Partial Shade
Bloom Time
Fall through Winter
Hardiness Zone
8
Features
- Produces spectacular, formal dark red blooms
- Features glossy, dark green foliage for year-round appeal
- Excellent for woodland borders, foundation plantings, or hedges
- Blooms early to mid-season, providing winter color
- Suitable for container gardening
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and robust health of the Tom Knudsen Camellia upon arrival. Reviewers frequently note the plant's impressive size and vigorous foliage, suggesting Monrovia delivers a premium specimen ready for successful planting. The primary theme is reliability; once established, the camellia performs beautifully, producing stunning, deep red blooms year after year. This dependable performance justifies the higher initial investment, making it a valued addition to the garden.
Know before you buy
This camellia performs best in shade or partial shade. It is important to protect it from harsh, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the glossy leaves.
The Tom Knudsen Camellia reaches a mature height and width of approximately 8 feet. You should plan for this footprint when selecting a spot in your garden or choosing a container.
Yes, this variety is well-suited for container gardening. Ensure you use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix and a container large enough to accommodate its eventual 8-foot size.
This variety blooms from early to mid-season, specifically providing color throughout the fall and winter months. It is an excellent choice if you want to add visual interest to your landscape during the colder season.
The Tom Knudsen Camellia is hardy in zone 8. It thrives in milder regions, so it is best suited for climates that do not experience extreme, prolonged freezing temperatures.
Due to its dense, evergreen foliage and formal growth habit, it works beautifully as a foundation planting or a formal hedge. It also excels in woodland borders where it can benefit from the dappled light of taller trees.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$60