Nuccio’s Jewel Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Nuccio's Jewel'Nuccio’s Jewel Camellia is a classic and elegant evergreen shrub known for its stunning early-season blooms and glossy year-round foliage. Revered by gardeners and camellia enthusiasts alike, this cultivar features medium-sized, peony-form flowers that display a beautiful blend of creamy white petals edged and shaded with orchid-pink hues. The blossoms typically emerge in late winter into early spring, a time when few other shrubs are flowering, bringing a welcome splash of color and refined grace to the garden.
The evergreen foliage of Nuccio’s Jewel is rich, dark green, and glossy, providing a lush backdrop long after the flowers fade. The leaves retain their color and texture through winter, lending year-round structure and visual appeal. This combination of striking blooms and attractive foliage makes Nuccio’s Jewel a versatile choice for landscapes seeking long-lasting ornamental value.
This camellia develops a broad, dense growth habit with a slow to moderate growth rate, ultimately reaching about 6 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide at maturity. Its size and form make it suitable for use as a focal specimen, an accent in mixed shrub borders, or as part of a woodland-garden composition. With proper spacing, it also works well in mass plantings or as a backdrop for lower perennials and spring bulbs. Nuccio’s Jewel thrives in acidic, well-drained soil and appreciates consistent moisture without standing water, reflecting its preference for rich sites similar to its native Asia origins.
Care Instructions:
Planting: Choose a location with partial sun to shade. Protection from hot afternoon sun and strong winds is recommended for best performance.
Soil: Prefers acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Amend heavy or alkaline soils with organic compost and acidifiers.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment and maintain consistent moisture. Avoid waterlogged soils as they can cause root issues.
Fertilizing: Apply an acid-forming, slow-release fertilizer formulated for camellias and azaleas in early spring before new growth begins.
Mulching: Apply a 2–3″ layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from stems.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed. If shaping or size control is desired, prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next season’s buds.
Spacing: Space plants about 6–10 feet apart for mature development and good airflow.
Maintenance: Monitor soil acidification and moisture levels for optimal growth.
A classic choice for gardeners in mild to moderate climates, Nuccio’s Jewel performs best in locations with protection from the harshest midday sun and strong winds. Its partial shade tolerance and evergreen nature make it particularly effective in shaded garden corners, under taller trees, or alongside other acid-loving shrubs like azaleas and rhododendrons. Whether planted in borders, containers, or woodland settings, this camellia delivers refined, multi-season beauty that enriches any landscape.
