Anacostia Japanese Camellia
Best cold-hardy evergreen for adding early spring color to shaded gardens.
Discover the Anacostia Japanese Camellia, a stunning evergreen shrub celebrated for its abundant, semi-double pink blooms that appear from late winter to mid-spring. This cultivar, selected from the National Arboretum, boasts rich, glossy foliage and exceptional cold hardiness. Its relatively compact form makes it a versatile choice for specimen planting, hedges, or borders, adding welcome color during dormant seasons. It thrives in filtered shade with organically rich, well-drained, acidic soil, requiring average to moist conditions. This camellia is a beautiful addition to any garden seeking reliable seasonal interest.
$89.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
866
/ 2688
#866 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+128%
Above average
Size
5
/ gallon
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant blooms during the dormant winter season
- Landscapers needing consistent greenery for year-round garden structure
- Homeowners looking to brighten dark, shaded garden corners
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with alkaline or heavy clay soil conditions
- Residents living in cold northern climates outside zones 7-9
- Low-maintenance gardeners who prefer plants requiring zero pest monitoring
Performance breakdown
Cold Hardiness
Exceptional resilience allows this cultivar to thrive in cooler climates.
Bloom Impact
Abundant semi-double pink flowers provide vital color during dormant months.
Foliage Quality
Glossy evergreen leaves maintain visual interest throughout the entire year.
Landscape Versatility
Compact growth habit fits perfectly into hedges, borders, or containers.
Growth Rate
Slow development requires patience but ensures a manageable, structured form.
Maintenance Ease
Thrives with consistent moisture and acidic soil in filtered shade.
Key Specs
Size
5 gallon
Mature Height
12 feet
Mature Spread
7 feet
Foliage Type
Evergreen
Bloom Time
Late Winter to Mid-Spring
Hardiness Zone
7
Growth Rate
Slow
Features
- Outstanding cold hardiness
- Abundant semi-double pink blooms
- Rich, glossy evergreen foliage
- Versatile specimen or border plant
- Blooms in late winter/early spring
- Relatively compact growth habit
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Anacostia Camellia's exceptional quality and robust health upon arrival. The meticulous packaging ensures plants reach buyers thriving, minimizing transplant shock and confirming Monrovia's reputation for superior stock. While the price is premium, reviewers find the immediate success and vigorous growth justify the investment. This reliability makes it a highly recommended choice for gardeners seeking dependable, beautiful blooms. The plant's immediate establishment and healthy appearance are key highlights, offering great value for those prioritizing a successful gardening experience.
Know before you buy
This shrub thrives best in filtered shade. Avoid planting it in direct, harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the glossy foliage.
The Anacostia is noted for its exceptional cold hardiness compared to other camellias. It is rated for USDA Hardiness Zone 7, meaning it can withstand colder winter temperatures than many traditional varieties.
Yes, it requires organically rich, well-drained, and acidic soil. If your garden soil is alkaline or heavy clay, you should amend it with organic matter or peat moss to create the ideal environment.
Since this shrub reaches a mature spread of about 7 feet, you should space them at least 6 to 7 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth as they mature.
The Anacostia has a slow growth rate. While this means it won't reach its full 12-foot height quickly, it also means it requires less frequent pruning to maintain its compact, manageable shape.
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$90