Camellia Japonica San Dimas - 20cm Pot

Camellia japonica ‘San Dimas’ is a standout evergreen camellia, admired for its rich dark red flowers set against glossy deep green foliage. This reliable, medium-growing variety combines exceptional flowering with a naturally tidy habit, making it an excellent choice for feature planting, hedging and screening. Easy to maintain and well suited to Melbourne gardens, ‘San Dimas’ provides months of colour through the cooler seasons.

Throughout winter and into spring, the shrub produces an abundance of rich crimson-red blooms that create a striking contrast against the dark evergreen foliage. The vibrant flowers provide welcome colour when much of the garden is dormant, while the dense, glossy foliage offers year-round structure and interest.

With its naturally bushy habit and moderate growth rate, ‘San Dimas’ is equally at home as a specimen shrub, informal hedge or privacy screen. It also grows well in large containers, making it a versatile option for courtyards, patios and smaller gardens.

Mature size: approximately 2.5–3.5 metres high × 2–3 metres wide

Care & Growing Tips
Plant in full sun to part shade. In Melbourne, a position with morning sun and protection from harsh afternoon sun will encourage the best flowering while protecting foliage during summer.

Prefers fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. If planting into Melbourne's heavier clay soils, improve drainage with compost or consider planting in a raised garden bed.

Water regularly during establishment and maintain consistent soil moisture during prolonged dry periods. Once established, deep watering through Melbourne's dry summers will encourage healthy growth and reliable flowering.

Feed in spring after flowering with a quality fertiliser formulated for camellias or other acid-loving plants. A second application in mid to late summer will support healthy growth and next season's flower buds.

Apply approximately 5cm of quality organic mulch each spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds and improve soil health, keeping mulch clear of the trunk.

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth. Avoid pruning later in the season, as this may reduce the following flowering display.

Frost tolerant once established and well suited to Melbourne and other cool to temperate Australian climates.

Ideal for
– Feature flowering shrubs
– Evergreen hedging and screening
– Woodland and shade gardens
– Large pots and containers
– Courtyards and patios
– Winter and spring flowering displays
– Traditional and contemporary gardens