If you’re like me and try to have plants blooming in the yard throughout the year, you may value camellias like I do. This time of the year, my camellias brighten my landscape with their beautiful blooms.

Governor Mouton camellia, known scientifically as Camellia japonica, is an exceptional plant in my landscape that adds both beauty and drama. Its large, formal blooms with striking red and white variegation are a true spectacle.

The semi-double flowers of Governor Mouton are made up of numerous petals which combine to form a full, elegant flower that lasts for weeks. These blooms make a bold contrast against the rich and glossy dark green foliage. This foliage remains vibrant throughout the year, providing an evergreen backdrop that highlights the striking blooms.

I’ve planted mine in a spot with well-drained, acidic soil, which is crucial for camellia’s health, and it enjoys the partial shade of my yard. Governor Mouton thrives in these conditions, as direct sunlight can sometimes cause the flowers to burn, especially during the warmer months.

This camellia blooms from fall to early spring, offering a burst of color during the cooler months when many other plants are dormant. It provides much-needed color as the days grow shorter and the landscape becomes quieter.

Aside from its beauty, the Governor Mouton is also a resilient plant, withstanding both colder winter temperatures and occasional drought once established.

My Debutante camellia, also known scientifically as Camellia japonica, grows alongside the Governor Mouton and offers a softer, more delicate look. Its large, peony-like blooms are a lovely blush pink, with the softest hint of white near the base of the petals.

Debutante’s flowers have a light, delicate quality that makes them stand out without overpowering the rest of the garden. The petals are gently ruffled, adding to the feminine, graceful appearance of the blooms. Glossy, dark green leaves frame these blooms, ensuring they remain a focal point in my garden.

Like the Governor Mouton, the Debutante camellia thrives in acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade. In my yard, it has grown into a well-rounded, compact shrub that makes an impressive presence at 6 feet tall.

What I love most about the Debutante is its winter to early-spring blooming period, which overlaps with the Governor Mouton. This provides a lovely, harmonious blend of red, white and soft pink tones, creating a beautiful, cohesive look in the garden.

These two camellias are a perfect pairing, each offering its own unique beauty -- one bold and dramatic, the other soft and delicate. This sophisticated duo enhances my outdoor space.

Both camellias require minimal maintenance once established, but regular watering, especially during dry spells, helps to keep them healthy. I ensure the soil stays slightly acidic by adding organic mulch around the base of the plants, which also helps conserve moisture.

Occasionally, I prune back any dead or diseased branches to maintain the shrubs’ shape and encourage healthy growth. The occasional feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer also helps promote vigorous blooms and lush foliage.

Overall, these camellias are a joy to care for, and they provide year-round beauty, adding elegance and charm to my garden throughout the seasons.

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