🌸 Elizabeth Arden Camellia (Camellia japonica) – 3 Gallon

The Elizabeth Arden Camellia is a glamorous Camellia japonica named for the famed cosmetics icon, reflecting elegance, beauty, and timeless sophistication. Known for its large, semi-double to peony-form blooms in vibrant shades of rose-pink to crimson, this camellia adds a bold splash of color to the late winter and spring garden. Its lush evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, making it as dependable as it is dazzling.

✨ History & Significance

Introduced in the mid-20th century, Elizabeth Arden quickly became a popular variety among camellia enthusiasts for its refined bloom form and strong garden performance. In the language of flowers, camellias represent admiration, perfection, and devotion. With its vivid blooms and namesake connection to a symbol of glamour, this camellia embodies grace, confidence, and lasting beauty.

🌺 Bloom & Flower Form

• Type: Camellia japonica

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

• Flowers: Large, semi-double to peony form; layered petals in bright rose-pink to deep red with golden stamens peeking through

• Meaning: Represents elegance, admiration, and enduring charm

🌿 Growth Habit

• Mature Size: Grows 8–10 ft tall × 6–8 ft wide

• Habit: Upright, bushy, evergreen shrub with a dense form

• Foliage: Dark glossy green leaves that contrast beautifully with bold blooms

🌱 Care Instructions

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

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

• Watering: Keep evenly moist; mulch to conserve water and protect shallow roots

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

• Pruning: Light pruning right after flowering to shape and preserve buds for the following year

🌼 Complimentary Plant Pairings

• Azaleas → for spring color contrast

• Gardenias → for fragrance and evergreen foliage pairing

• Hydrangeas → for dramatic summer flowers

• Ferns & Hostas → texture and shade layering

• Sasanqua camellias → extend bloom season with autumn flowers

🌟 Why Elizabeth Arden is Important

Elizabeth Arden is an important japonica camellia because it combines show-quality blooms with vigorous growth and reliable garden performance. Its large, vibrant flowers and glamorous namesake make it a favorite in camellia collections and Southern landscapes. With its year-round evergreen beauty and bold seasonal display, it is both a collector’s plant and a landscape cornerstone.

🪴 Elizabeth Arden Camellia (3 Gallon) – A glamorous, heirloom-quality japonica with large pink-to-crimson blooms and timeless Southern charm.