Camellia Minato-No-Akebono

Delightfully fragrant, Camellia 'Minato-No-Akebono' features attractive, miniature, single, shell pink flowers, 2-3 in. wide (3-6 cm), graced with a prominent cluster of golden stamens at their heart. Very free-flowering, the exquisite flowers are borne in profusion along the elegantly arching branches, over a fairly long period extending from early to late season (November to April in the Northern Hemisphere; April to September in the Southern Hemisphere). Rich with a very pleasing fragrance, they offer a beautiful contrast against the lush evergreen foliage of glossy, dark green leaves. 'Minato-No-Akebono' is a camellia hybrid resulting from the cross of Camellia japonica and Camellia lutchuensis.

• This medium-sized evergreen shrub has a weeping habit and grows at a medium rate up to 5 ft. tall (150 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-150 cm)
• A part shade lover, this plant is best grown in consistently moist, acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils. Will thrive in full sun once established provided that the roots are kept cool and moist. Provide a site sheltered from cold, dry winds as buds and flowers may be damaged by cold winds. Protect from the early morning sun and from the direct hot summer afternoon sun.
• May be attacked by aphids, scale insects, and vine weevil
• Mass in mixed shrub borders for dramatic winter blooms. Great flowering shrub for woodland gardens or as a screen and hedge. Perfect as a specimen plant and may be effectively grown in tubs or large containers.
• Apply a root mulch (leaves or shredded bark)
• Prune after flowering. Prune to thin branching and control size and shape.