🌸 Bobbie Fain Camellia (Camellia japonica) – 1 Gallon

The Bobbie Fain Camellia is a true classic among Camellia japonica varieties, known for its brilliant pink to rose-red formal double blooms that light up the winter garden. Its large, layered petals create a flower reminiscent of antique roses, making it a timeless choice for collectors and gardeners alike. With glossy evergreen foliage, upright growth, and abundant blooms, Bobbie Fain is a reliable, elegant camellia for Southern landscapes.

✨ History & Meaning

As a japonica camellia, Bobbie Fain has been admired for generations for its bold bloom color and formal flower form. In the language of flowers, camellias symbolize admiration, affection, and perfection, while the vibrant rose-red petals of Bobbie Fain also speak to passion, vitality, and strength. This combination makes it an heirloom-worthy shrub that’s both meaningful and ornamental.

🌺 Bloom & Flower Form

• Type: Camellia japonica

• Bloom Time: Mid- to late season (January–March in the South)

• Flowers: Large, formal double; rose-red to deep pink, symmetrical, layered petals

• Meaning: Represents devotion, admiration, and vitality

🌿 Growth Habit

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

• Habit: Upright, dense, evergreen shrub

• Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves add year-round beauty and structure

🌱 Care Instructions

• Light: Thrives in partial shade to filtered sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun

• Soil: Acidic, rich, well-drained soil

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

• Fertilizer: Feed with camellia/azalea fertilizer in spring after blooming and again midsummer; avoid late fertilization that could risk frost damage

• Pruning: Light pruning right after flowering to shape and encourage healthy growth; avoid pruning later in the year to protect buds

🌼 Complimentary Plant Pairings

• Azaleas & Rhododendrons for layered spring color

• Gardenias for fragrance and glossy leaf contrast

• Hydrangeas for bold summer blooms

• Sasanqua Camellias to extend the camellia season with fall flowers

• Ferns & Hostas for texture in shady beds

🌟 Why Bobbie Fain is Important

Bobbie Fain remains an important camellia japonica for Southern gardens due to its formal double blooms, strong growth, and long bloom season. It’s a staple in both home landscapes and camellia shows, admired for its symmetry and classic rose-red coloring. This cultivar continues to be a must-have for collectors and a reliable performer for gardeners.

🪴 Bobbie Fain Camellia (1 Gallon) – A true Southern heirloom with classic double blooms, evergreen grace, and a history of admiration.