Buy Camellia japonica 'Unryu'

Also Known As

Contorted Camellia

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 6'-8'
W: 4'-6'

planting zones

7a-9b

1 gallon bagged root ball | $39

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30 at Gossler Farms

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Camellia japonica 'Unryu' plant details

Shapely and unusual. A Camellia of distinction due to its contorted stems which lend unexpected year-round interest to this version of the the well loved winter blooming shrub. The single flowers are elegant and unique, with double flowers being more common to the genus.

Camellia japonica 'Unryu' is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring pink and red flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and regular water. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in acidic, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Camellia japonica 'Unryu'

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: theaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 4 FT - 6 FT - wide, 6 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and red blooms in spring
Uses: bonsai, container plant, contorted, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Camellia japonica 'Unryu'

USDA Zones: 7a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: regular

Soil needs: acidic, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This camellia grows upright to possibly 8'. The foliage is typical C. japonica and the flowers are light red in early spring. However, the main reason to grow C. j. 'Unryu' is for the contorted stems. The stems twist at 45° angles, which makes an interesting form.

By: Gossler Farms

With its wonderfully lyrical name, 'Unryu', meaning "dragon in the clouds" this gorgeous Camellia twists and turns to 6' tall creating a captivating silhouette in the garden. Spring flowers are a striking red-pink and single with golden-yellow stamens. Evergreen foliage is glossy and deep-green. This is a magnificent specimen for any landscape. PSh-S/M

By: Forestfarm

Stems twist and turn on this medium-sized Camellia, to 6 ft tall creating an interesting shape in the garden. "Unryu" means "dragon in the clouds" suggesting the twisting of a dragon as it climbs to the sky. Spring flowers are red-pink and single. Evergreen foliage is glossy in part to full shade with summer water. Frost hardy in upper USDA zone 6.

By: Cistus Nursery

Single, reddish-pink, funnel-shaped flowers bloom in late winter and sporadically rebloom on artfully zig-zagging stems. This photo was taken in early January! 'Unryu' means "dragon in the clouds" in Japanese, suggesting the twisting of a dragon as it ascends to the sky. Nice for bonsai, evergreen, reliable.