April Melody Camellia Japonica – 3 Gallon Pot

April Melody is a prized selection from the April Camellia Series, which were developed to have improved winter cold hardiness and a later bloom cycle than most other Camellia japonica varieties. It is one of the few Camellia japonica recommended for growing in USDA Zone 6b where winter low temperatures can go to as low as -5F. 

The ‘April Melody’ Camellia features abundant 5-petaled, clematis-like flowers with petals in a captivating shade of brilliant rose-red surrounding a prominent cylinder or yellow anthers with pink to white filaments. The eye-catching flower show occurs from late February or early March over a long period into April. Glossy dark green foliage provides amazing contrast and a wonderful backdrop for the plentiful flowers. The flowers are excellent for cutting and display in indoor flower arrangements. A dense and vigorous grower to around 10 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, April Melody can be grown as a shrub or lower branches can be removed to form a highly attractive small tree.

A vigorous Camellia with an upright habit of growth to about 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, April Melody can be grown as a shrub or small tree. As a shrub it is ideal for use as a specimen, in groupings, or as hedge or background plant in landscape borders. It is especially nice as a corner plant or espalier (trained to grow flat against a wall) in home foundation plantings. As your camellia grows taller lower branches can be removed to form an attractive small tree that serves well as a focal point specimen in landscape borders and home foundation plantings. A fine addition to Camellia and Azalea gardens, red color theme gardens, cottage gardens, cut flower gardens and woodland borders.

Selection Spacing:  5 to 6 feet apart for solid hedge; 10 feet or more apart for space between plants

Camellia adapt well to various soil types however prefer a moist but well-drained acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Constantly soggy soil is a slow killer. Good drought tolerance when established. In general, Camellia grows and blooms better in partial shade with some shelter from the hot afternoon sun. Morning sun with afternoon shade or filtered sunlight is perfect. All-day filtered sun is fine.

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant, fertilize, prune and water Camellias.