🌸 Buttons and Bows Camellia (Camellia japonica) – 1 Gallon

Charming and romantic, the Buttons and Bows Camellia is a Camellia japonica prized for its light pink, formal double blooms that curve and flute gracefully, deepening in color toward the petal edges. Compact and bushy, this variety is perfect for smaller landscapes or as a showpiece in shaded gardens where its ruffled elegance shines.

✨ History & Registration

The Buttons and Bows Camellia was introduced by Nuccio’s Nurseries, Altadena, California, USA, and is a registered cultivar with the American Camellia Society.

• Reg. No. 2021

• First Bloom: 1981 (from a 6-year-old seedling)

• Source: Nuccio’s Nurseries Catalogue, 1985–1986, p.21; American Camellia Yearbook, 1986, p.89

• Notes: Sometimes listed with the orthographic error “Button and Bows.”

🌺 Bloom & Flower Form

• Type: Camellia japonica

• Bloom Time: Early to mid-season (December–February in Southern gardens)

• Flowers: Small formal double, about 8 cm across, light pink shading to deeper pink edges, with curved and fluted petals

• Meaning: Symbolizes grace, admiration, and affection

🌿 Growth Habit

• Mature Size: 6–8 ft tall × 5–7 ft wide

• Habit: Compact, very bushy, dense, with a medium growth rate

• Foliage: Evergreen, glossy green leaves provide year-round beauty

🌱 Care Instructions

• Light: Thrives in partial shade or filtered sun; protect from harsh afternoon rays

• Soil: Acidic, rich, well-drained soil

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

• Fertilizer: Use an acid-loving camellia/azalea fertilizer in spring after bloom and midsummer; avoid feeding late in the season

• Pruning: Light pruning immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth

🌼 Complimentary Plant Pairings

• Azaleas for colorful spring layers

• Sasanqua camellias for earlier fall blooms

• Gardenias for fragrance and evergreen contrast

• Hydrangeas for summer floral displays

• Ferns and Hostas for shaded garden texture

🌟 Why Buttons and Bows is Important

Buttons and Bows is a registered japonica camellia with a pedigree that ties it to one of the most respected camellia nurseries in the United States—Nuccio’s Nurseries. Its compact habit, charming bloom form, and reliable performance make it an important variety for collectors, exhibitors, and gardeners who want a camellia with both heritage and beauty.

🪴 Buttons and Bows Camellia (1 Gallon) – A compact heirloom japonica with ruffled pink blooms, Southern elegance, and historic significance.