Camellia chekiangoleosa

Camellia chekiangoleosa is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It belongs to the tea family, Theaceae. Its native range lies in eastern and southeastern China. It grows in Anhui, Fujian, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang. Wild plants grow in mountain forests and thickets. Records place them at 1,640–4,265 feet [500–1,300 metres] above sea level. Gardeners grow this species for its flowers and oil-rich seeds.

In gardens, it reaches about 13–26 feet [4–8 metres] tall. Its spread is about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. Plants may take 10–20 years to reach full size. The bushy crown keeps its leaves throughout the year. The leaves are oval, with a glossy, dark green surface. Their undersides range from pale green to yellow-green. Large red flowers open from midwinter into spring. Each single flower has a central group of golden stamens. Flowers can span about 0.4 feet [0.12 metres]. Bees pollinate the flowers.

Give this camellia light shade and shelter from cold, drying winds. It needs acid soil enriched with organic matter. Clay, loam, and sandy soils can all suit it. Keep the soil moist, but allow excess water to drain. Hardiness reports differ, so local winter conditions matter. The RHS gives it H3 and recommends frost-free outdoor sites. Useful Tropical Plants reports occasional survival near 14°F [−10°C]. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10. A large movable pot allows winter shelter where needed. A conservatory offers another place to grow it.

This species suits courtyard gardens, informal borders, and sheltered wall-side beds. Its evergreen leaves provide cover beyond the flowering season. PFAF also lists woodland edges and dappled shade as settings. Growers in Zhejiang cultivate it for seed oil. PFAF records that oil as an edible product. This does not establish that whole seeds are edible. The sources list no known hazards or medicinal uses. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer, or graft in late winter. Prune after the flowers finish.

Watch for aphids, scale insects, and vine weevil. Possible diseases include honey fungus and phytophthora root rot. Camellia gall and leaf blight may also occur. Yellow mottle virus is another reported problem. Petal blight can damage the flowers.