🌊 Silver Waves Camellia (Camellia japonica) – 3 Gallon

The Silver Waves Camellia is an elegant Camellia japonica admired for its large, ruffled white blooms with a golden center. Each flower is a showpiece, with petals often rippling like waves—creating a luminous effect against the backdrop of glossy, dark evergreen foliage. Perfect as a specimen shrub or foundation planting, this camellia brings timeless Southern grace to any garden.

✨ History & Significance

Introduced in the mid-20th century, Silver Waves quickly became a favorite among camellia enthusiasts for its showy, snow-white flowers and reliable performance. In the language of flowers, white camellias symbolize purity, admiration, and perfection, making this variety both a landscape treasure and a meaningful gift plant.

🌺 Bloom & Flower Form

• Type: Camellia japonica

• Bloom Time: Mid-season (January–March in Southern gardens)

• Flowers: Large (up to 5 inches across), semi-double to loose peony form; wavy, ruffled white petals with a prominent cluster of bright yellow stamens

• Meaning: Represents purity, admiration, and grace

🌿 Growth Habit

• Mature Size: Reaches 8–10 ft tall × 6–8 ft wide at maturity

• Habit: Upright, spreading, evergreen shrub

• Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves provide a striking year-round backdrop to its glowing flowers

🌱 Care Instructions

• Light: Thrives in partial shade or filtered sunlight; morning sun is best

• Soil: Acidic, organic-rich, well-drained soil

• Watering: Keep evenly moist; mulch well to protect shallow roots

• Fertilizer: Apply acid-loving camellia/azalea fertilizer in spring after bloom and again midsummer; avoid late feeding

• Pruning: Prune after flowering to shape and encourage healthy new growth; avoid heavy late-season cuts that may remove buds

🌼 Complimentary Plant Pairings

• Azaleas for layered spring color beneath camellias

• Gardenias for fragrance and evergreen interest

• Hydrangeas for bold summer blooms

• Ferns & Hostas for shady groundcover contrast

• Sasanqua camellias for earlier autumn color to extend the camellia season

🌟 Why Silver Waves is Important

Silver Waves remains an important japonica camellia because of its classic white bloom form, show quality, and dependable growth habit. It offers striking contrast in the landscape, is a standout in camellia shows, and holds special significance as a symbol of elegance and purity. With its large, wavy blossoms and reliable mid-season display, it’s a staple for both collectors and home gardeners.

🪴 Silver Waves Camellia (3 Gallon) – A dazzling heirloom japonica with wavy white blooms and timeless Southern charm.