Camellias with foliar flair
Camellias are treasured for their winter blossoms and evergreen foliage. Some lesser-known camellia varieties sport variegated leaves that add even more interest to the ornamental package. Variegation of camellia foliage is caused by a genetic mutation or a virus. The latter is usually benign; in fact, horticulturists sometimes deliberately introduce viruses to produce variegation. Commercially available varieties include:
- ‘Winter’s Sunset’ (Camellia hybrid)—Leaves have light-green margins. Flowers are single and pink. Fall bloomer.
- ‘Greensboro Daybreak’ (C. japonica) —Leaves have yellow margins and splotches. Red, semi-double flowers. Winter bloomer.
- ‘Benten-kagura’ (C. japonica)—Leaves have an irregular, white border. Red peony-like flowers are mottled with white. Fall bloomer.
- ‘Shikishima Splash’ (C. sasanqua)—Leaves splashed with bright yellow. Medium-pink, double flowers. Fall bloomer.
For more information about variegated camellias, visit www.camforest.com. Or call Camellia Forest Nursery in Chapel Hill at (919) 968-0504.