Plant : Camellia ‘Adolphe Audusson’
Camellia japonica ‘Adolphe Audusson’
Camellia ‘Adolphe Audusson’ is a prized cultivar from the Camellia japonica lineage, known for its dramatic, blood-red semi-double flowers and deep glossy foliage. Blooming in early spring, this evergreen shrub offers a vivid floral display when little else is flowering. Its upright form and refined appearance make it a showstopper in shaded borders or containers, especially when grown in formal planters such as Versailles tubs.
Plant Care Essentials:
Light Requirements
Partial shade; morning sun or dappled light
Water Scheduling
Moderate
Growth Habit
Slow to moderate
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C to -12°C
Plant Profile:
- Scientific Name:
- Camellia japonica ‘Adolphe Audusson’
- Family:
- Theaceae
- Plant Type:
- Ornamental, Evergreen Shrub
- Origin:
- Native to East Asia
- Size:
- Up to 3.6m
- Growth Rate:
- Slow to moderate
- Light Requirements:
- Partial shade; morning sun or dappled light
- Watering Needs:
- Moderate
- Temperature Tolerance:
- Hardy to -10°C to -12°C
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Flower Color:
- Blood-red
- Flowering Season:
- Early spring
- Drought Tolerant:
- No
- Tropical:
- No
- Indoor:
- No
- Has Fruits:
- Yes
- Edible Fruit:
- No
- Poisonous to Pets:
- No
Care Instructions:
Reaching up to 12 feet (3.6 m) in height in the garden and around 6 feet (1.8 m) in containers, Camellia ‘Adolphe Audusson’ combines elegance with performance. Its large flowers—dark crimson with prominent golden stamens—appear from late winter through early spring, standing out against the dark, leathery green leaves. Like most camellias, it prefers acidic, moisture-retentive but well-draining soil and does best in a sheltered, partly shaded location. It is ideal for pot culture and makes an excellent statement piece on patios, near entrances, or in protected woodland gardens.
Light
Prefers partial shade or dappled light. Avoid early morning sun on frosted buds, which can damage flowers. West-facing spots are ideal for spring bloom protection.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells and flowering season. Avoid waterlogging. Though tolerant of tap water, rainwater is preferred in hard water areas.
Soil
Requires acidic, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. Use ericaceous compost when potting. Avoid chalky or lime-rich soils.
Temperature
Hardy in mild climates but may need protection from harsh frost. Place containers in a sheltered spot during winter.
Humidity
Enjoys moderate humidity. Protect from drying winds.
Fertilizer
Feed with a slow-release acidic plant fertilizer in spring after flowering and again in midsummer. Avoid feeding in late autumn.
Best Placement Ideas
- In Versailles-style wooden tubs on patios
- Along a shaded wall (especially west-facing)
- As a focal point in a woodland garden
- In acidic borders with other shade-tolerant shrubs
Common Issues
- Bud drop due to frost or fluctuating moisture
- Yellowing leaves in alkaline soils
- Flower damage from late spring frost
- Aphids or scale insects in humid conditions
Things to Watch Out For
- Needs acidic soil—avoid lime or chalk
- Don't plant too deep; cover roots lightly
- Prune immediately after flowering
- Ensure good air circulation to prevent mold or blight
Propagation Tips
Take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer under cover with bottom heat. Use acidic, well-draining propagation mix. Alternatively, grafting is used for many commercial cultivars.
Maintenance Tips
Light pruning is done after flowering to shape the plant or remove dead or weak wood. Avoid hard pruning. Mulch annually with ericaceous compost to maintain soil acidity and moisture.
Did You Know?
Camellia ‘Adolphe Audusson’ was named after a French nurseryman and is one of the most popular red camellia cultivars worldwide, known for thriving in pots and cooler garden spots.
Categorized
Related Plants
View all plants
Rock Rose
Cistus spp.
Cistus, commonly called rock rose, is a group of charming evergreen shrubs prized for their showy, papery blooms in spring and early summer.
New Zealand Flax
Phormium tenax
Phormium tenax, or New Zealand flax, is a bold, architectural plant prized for its striking, fan-shaped clumps of leathery, sword-like leaves.
Pieris, Lily Of The Valley Bush
Pieris (genus)
Pieris are attractive evergreen shrubs known for their early spring sprays of bell-shaped flowers.
Cilpinense Rhododendron
Rhododendron ‘Cilpinense’
Rhododendron ‘Cilpinense’ is a charming, compact evergreen shrub ideal for small gardens, patios, and terraces.
Care Guides
Cultivating Exotic Plants
Raising colorful and exotic house plants is an exciting introduction to exotic species, and recreating their natural habitat offers a challenge of its own.
How to Plant a Pip
If you enjoy growing house plants from seed, and like saving money, then next time you eat exotic fruit, plant the pips or stones.
Growing Plants at an East-Facing Window
A position at a window provides plants with strong indoor light, whichever way the window faces.