Camellia petelotii is a species of plant in the family Theaceae. It is found in China (endemic in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China) and Vietnam. It may be called the golden camellia and synonyms include C. chrysantha and Camellia nitidissima. The golden camellia originated 170 million years ago, it is a first-class nationally protected plant in China. The golden camellia is extremely demanding on the growth environment, and its genes are extremely difficult to replicate, once transplanted, it will die or genetically mutate. Therefore, in 1986, the Golden Camellia National Nature Reserve was built in Fangcheng, Guangxi, with a total area of 9195.1 hectares.It is threatened by habitat loss. It originates from southern China and Vietnam where it has been used to make tea; it has also been propagated as a garden plant for its waxy yellow flowers, which are unusual in a camellia. It is endangered in the wild, but favored as a garden plant.
The golden camellia has strong resistance to disease and is typically not susceptible to illnesses. Regarding maintenance, this species is fairly easy to care for. When grown outdoors it needs only light watering, and mature specimens usually don't require trimming. By contrast, smaller plants should be cut back after flowering. The golden camellia is appropriate for anyone who has an outdoor area, like a garden or a deck, and it doesn't demand extensive gardening experience.
How to keep Camellia Nitidissima.
Light
Golden camellia strongly prefers plentiful sunlight to achieve its best growth. The plant can tolerate places with moderate light, although this may reduce its growth and how often it blooms. In its native habitat it became adapted to sun-rich conditions. Too much or too little light can damage the plant's vigor and overall health.
Temperature
Golden camellia is indigenous to regions where temperatures usually fall between 50 to 90 °F (10 to 35 ℃). It performs best within that range, so replicating those conditions is beneficial. Temperatures should be adjusted seasonally if needed, ensuring they never fall below 50 °F (10 ℃).
Fertilizer
The timing of fertilizing Golden camellia is crucial. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue monthly until early summer. Fertilizer helps produce lovely blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth phases.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Camellia
- Family
- Theaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 6-10
- Mature Height
- 2.13 m to 3.05 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m to 3.05 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink, White
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 6.35 cm
- Bloom Time
- Winter
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Native Area
- Vietnam, Laos, China
