Bob Hope Camellia
Best evergreen shrub for adding vibrant winter color to shaded gardens.
The Bob Hope Camellia is an evergreen shrub celebrated for its large, semi-double flowers in a deep red hue, providing early season color. It thrives in partial shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or as a striking specimen plant. This variety blooms in winter in warmer regions and transitions to early spring in cooler climates. It grows to a mature height and spread of about 8 feet, suitable for borders, containers, or screening. Proper care involves providing rich, acidic soil and consistent moisture, especially during establishment.
$89.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
61
/ 2693
#61 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
+106%
Above average
Size
5
/ gallon container
Who it's for
- Cold-climate growers wanting reliable, vigorous shrubs
- Gardeners seeking high-impact winter color
- Homeowners needing year-round privacy screening
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with alkaline or heavy clay soil
- People with only full-sun planting locations
- Low-maintenance gardeners avoiding pest management
Performance breakdown
Bloom Impact
Deep red, semi-double flowers provide a dramatic focal point for gardens.
Year-Round Interest
Evergreen foliage ensures the shrub remains visually appealing throughout all seasons.
Landscape Versatility
Adapts easily to containers, privacy screens, or woodland border arrangements.
Maintenance Demand
Requires consistent moisture and specific acidic soil conditions to truly thrive.
Shade Tolerance
Perfectly suited for partial shade environments where many flowering plants struggle.
Growth Potential
Reaches a substantial eight-foot stature, ideal for creating structural garden depth.
Key Specs
Size
5 gallon container
Mature Height
8 feet
Mature Width
8 feet
Light Needs
Partial Shade
Foliage Type
Evergreen
Bloom Time
Winter to Early Spring
Water Needs
Average to Moist
Features
- Produces large, deep red, semi-double flowers
- Provides early season color
- Excellent as a stand-alone statement plant
- Suitable for massing to create a flowering privacy screen
- Evergreen foliage maintains year-round interest
- Versatile for use in borders, containers, or woodland gardens
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and health of the Bob Hope Camellia upon arrival. Reviewers frequently highlight the plant's robust vigor, noting its ability to establish quickly and produce deep red, striking blooms. The primary sentiment revolves around the superior aesthetic appeal and the reliability of Monrovia's stock. While the price point is higher than average, consumers feel the investment is justified by the plant's immediate visual impact and long term performance, making it a highly valued addition to the garden.
Know before you buy
This variety typically blooms from winter into early spring. In warmer climates, you will see flowers earlier in the winter, while cooler regions will see them emerge as spring approaches.
Since this camellia reaches a mature width of 8 feet, you should space them approximately 6 to 8 feet apart to allow for proper airflow and growth while still achieving a dense, continuous screen.
Yes, the Bob Hope Camellia prefers rich, acidic soil. If your native soil is alkaline or heavy clay, you may need to amend it with organic matter or peat moss to ensure the plant can properly absorb nutrients.
Absolutely. Because of its evergreen foliage and striking flowers, it works well in large containers. Just ensure the pot has excellent drainage and monitor the moisture levels closely, as container-grown plants dry out faster than those in the ground.
It thrives in partial shade, meaning it prefers filtered light or morning sun with protection from the harsh afternoon heat. Too much direct, intense sun can scorch the evergreen leaves.
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$90