Camellia Hari Withers

Camellia japonica ‘Hari Withers’

Camellia japonica ‘Hari Withers’ is a highly ornamental evergreen shrub valued for its large formal double flowers, glossy foliage, and elegant garden structure. It is a classic camellia variety widely admired for its richly coloured blooms and refined appearance during the cooler months.

The plant develops dense, dark green glossy foliage that provides year-round structure and contrast. During the flowering season, it produces large formal double blooms in deep rose-pink to rich pink tones with perfectly layered petals, creating a striking floral display.

Its lush foliage and impressive flowers make it suitable for feature planting, hedging, and formal garden design.

Key Features

‘Harriett Withers’ is prized for its large, perfectly formed blooms and reliable flowering performance. The formal double flowers create a highly refined and symmetrical appearance.

Its dense evergreen foliage makes it useful as both a flowering specimen and a structural landscape plant. It provides strong colour through autumn and winter when many gardens lack flowering interest.

It performs especially well in protected positions with cool roots and filtered light.

Growth Habit and Size

This variety grows as a dense upright evergreen shrub with a rounded habit.

It typically reaches 2 to 4 metres in height and spread depending on growing conditions and pruning. Growth rate is moderate.

Care Requirements

Light

Performs best in partial shade to filtered light. Morning sun is beneficial, while harsh afternoon sun should be avoided to protect flowers and foliage.

Watering

Requires regular watering during establishment and flowering periods. Soil should remain evenly moist but well-drained.

Mulching helps retain moisture and maintain cool root conditions.

Soil

Prefers rich, slightly acidic, well-draining soil with high organic content.

Temperature and Climate

Suitable for temperate and subtropical climates.

Tolerates cool conditions and light frost once established but benefits from protection against strong dry winds and extreme heat.

Maintenance

Low to moderate maintenance. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and encourage dense branching.

Fertilise during the growing season using a camellia or azalea fertiliser.

Remove spent flowers if desired to maintain a tidy appearance.

Common Issues

Yellowing foliage may indicate alkaline soil or nutrient deficiencies.

Bud drop can occur from inconsistent watering or environmental stress.

Petal blight may affect flowers in humid conditions.

Scale insects may occasionally appear.

Applications

Camellia japonica ‘Harriett Withers’ is suitable for:

Feature shrub planting
Formal garden design
Hedging and screening
Woodland gardens
Courtyards and patios
Container planting

Its large formal blooms provide elegant seasonal colour and structure.

Specification and Care Chart

FAQ – Camellia japonica ‘Harriett Withers’

What colour are the flowers?
The flowers are deep rose-pink to rich pink.

What flower form does it have?
It produces large formal double blooms with layered petals.

When does it flower?
Flowering generally occurs from late autumn through winter into spring.

Does it need shade?
Yes, it performs best in partial shade or filtered light.

Can it be used as a hedge?
Yes, its dense evergreen habit makes it suitable for hedging and screening.

How big does it grow?
Typically reaches 2 to 4 metres in height and spread