Camellia japonica 'Debutante'
Common name: Japanese camellia
Camellias are known for their stunning blooms and their glossy foliage, and Camellia japonica 'Debutante'does not disappoint.
C. japonica 'Debutante' is an evergreen shrub with an upright, bushy habit, It grows up to 180 -240 centimetres (6 - 8 feet) tall, and as wide. This Japanese camellia has light pink, peony-like flowers which are quite long lasting.
The leaves of C. japonica 'Debutante' are dark green and leathery. Like other camellias, this one prefers consistently moist though never soggy, organically rich, slightly acidic soil.
C. japonica 'Debutante' was introduced in the early 1900s by Gerbings Azalea Nursery. Its parentage is unknown. There are two Camellia japonica 'Debutante' shrubs in Bed 85 adjacent to the Japanese Collection. The photos were taken in the Garden March 2026.
Text and photos by Kumi Sutcliffe