How to Grow Bert Jones Camellia
Bert Jones Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Bert Jones'
shrubBert Jones is a stunning evergreen camellia cultivar prized for its large, semi-double flowers in deep red with prominent golden stamens. This cold-hardy ornamental shrub blooms in winter to early spring, providing vibrant color when few other plants are flowering. It's an excellent choice for shaded woodland gardens and adds sophisticated elegance to any landscape.
When should you plant Bert Jones Camellia in your zone?
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Example Bert Jones Camellia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bert Jones Camellia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Bert Jones Camellia
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7-9, with some success in zone 6b with winter protection
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Get my Bert Jones Camellia timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung shrub with small evergreen leaves; focused on root development rather than flowering
Water regularly and consistently; apply 2-3 inches of mulch; avoid fertilizing heavily; protect from wind and extreme temperatures
Vegetative Growth (Years 2-3)
24 monthsPlant develops broader canopy and deeper green foliage; may produce occasional flowers
Continue consistent watering; prune lightly to shape if desired; apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; maintain mulch layer
Flowering Maturity (Years 3+)
3-4 months (winter season)Plant produces abundant large semi-double flowers in deep red with golden stamens; blooms from December through March depending on region
Dead-head spent flowers to encourage more blooms; avoid fertilizing too heavily with nitrogen; maintain consistent moisture during bud formation (fall); mulch to protect roots from cold
Post-Bloom (Spring/Summer)
6-8 monthsFlowers fade and plant focuses on new leaf growth; shrub appears full and dense with glossy dark green foliage
Light pruning after bloom to shape plant; apply balanced or slightly acidic fertilizer; maintain consistent moisture as temperatures warm
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Inspect regularly; remove infested branches; spray with horticultural oil in late winter; introduce natural predators like parasitic wasps
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Remove infected flowers immediately; rake up fallen petals; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide preventatively in cool, wet weather
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Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if severe; maintain healthy plant vigor
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Hand-pick beetles in early morning; use pheromone traps away from plant; avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that harm beneficial insects
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Spray with strong water stream; use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
Uses
Winter Landscape Color
OrnamentalBert Jones produces stunning deep red semi-double flowers with golden stamens during winter months when most gardens are dormant. Perfect for creating visual interest in winter gardens and providing long-lasting color from December through March. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdLarge camellia flowers are prized for floral arrangements and last 1-2 weeks in water. The elegant deep red blooms with prominent stamens add sophistication to bouquets and indoor displays. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWinter and early spring flowers provide essential nectar and pollen for early-emerging bees and other pollinators when food is scarce. The dense evergreen foliage also provides shelter for birds and small wildlife year-round. [source]
Floral Pressing & Dried Arrangements
CraftSemi-double camellia flowers press well for botanical crafts, cards, and preserved arrangements. The flowers maintain their striking coloration when properly dried. [source]
Harvest Tips
Camellias are ornamental flowers not harvested for food. Cut flowers for arrangements in early morning when fully hydrated; cut stems at 45-degree angle and immediately place in water. Blooms last 1-2 weeks in a vase. Remove spent flowers from the plant to promote continued blooming.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Camellias are one of the few shrubs that bloom in winter, making Bert Jones especially valuable for providing color during the bleakest months of the year when few other plants flower.
- 🌱 Camellia japonica has been cultivated for over 2,000 years in Asia, particularly in Japan and China, where it holds significant cultural importance and appears frequently in classical art.
- 🌱 The genus Camellia is also the source of tea plants (Camellia sinensis); while ornamental camellias like Bert Jones aren't typically used for tea, they're closely related to the tea plant.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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