Camellia x williamsii 'Freedom Bell'
Williamsii hybrid camellias are said to flower more reliably from a young age and are more hardy than Camellia japonica. Most are crosses of Camellia japonica and Camellia saluenensis.
Camellia x williamsii 'Freedom Bell' is an upright, multi-stemmed, evergreen shrub. Its semi-double, funnel shaped flowers are bright red and bloom along the stem. C. x williamsii 'Freedom Bell' leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery. This shrub thrives with sheltered exposure and semi-shade. The soil should be moist, but well draining.
C. x williamsii 'Freedom Bell' is a Nuccio Nurseries hybrid. Nuccio Nurseries, specializing in camellias and azaleas, is a family-run nursery which began in the 1930s. The Nuccios have introduced about two hundred varieties of camellias, but say that most of their hybrids were 'happy accidents', not deliberately made. By the way this nursery was badly damaged by the California wildfires.
Camellia x williamsii 'Freedom Bell' can be found on the Winter Walk. It is a fairly new planting.
Garden Story
Text and photos by Kumi Sutcliffe