Common Name: Early Wonder® Camellia
Latin Name: Camellia japonica 'Early Autumn'
Brand: Southern Living Plants®
Description:
A refined addition to any Southern garden, Early Wonder® Camellia is known for its profuse lavender-rose, formal double blooms that arrive earlier than most—often beginning in early fall. Its upright, vigorous habit is complemented by lush, evergreen foliage, which emerges bronze and matures to deep green, offering year-round elegance. This camellia makes a stunning accent or hedge, and its flowers are excellent for cutting.
Care Tips:
Thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers acidic, well-drained soils. Water regularly during dry spells, especially when newly planted. Fertilize in early spring with an acid-formulated fertilizer. Prune lightly to shape in early spring, before new growth begins. Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and protect roots in winter.
Landscape Uses:
Accent, container, woodland garden, mass planting, border, hedge, privacy planting, cut flower garden
Mature Height: 6–8 ft
Mature Width: 4–6 ft
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Cold Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 7a–9b
Habit: Upright, bushy
Foliage: Bronze new growth matures to dark green; evergreen
Flower: Lavender-rose formal double blooms; fall blooming
Soil pH: Prefers acidic soils (pH 5.0–6.5)
