Kick Off Camellia

Kick Off Camellia (Camellia japonica 'Kick Off') is a fast growing, hardy evergreen shrub, 2m to 3m high and 1.5m to 2.5m wide, with glossy leaves and big pink double flowers striped with a deeper pink. The blooms are peony-like, and no two are quite alike. It makes an eye-catching feature plant or a flowering hedge.

Why you'll love it

• Striped, peony-like flowers. Big pink double blooms are streaked and speckled with deeper pink, with golden stamens showing between the petals.
• Every bloom a little different. Occasional flowers open all light pink or all dark pink. That is normal for this variety and part of its charm, not a fault.
• Quicker than most. It is fast growing for a camellia, so it fills out sooner than the slower varieties.
• Glossy evergreen foliage. The leaves stay green and shiny all year, so it works as a screen between flowerings.
• Hardy once settled. Japonicas cope with cool climates, and this one tolerates frost once it is established.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Plant it where the flowers can be seen from a window or path. It reaches 2m to 3m, so allow room around it.

Flowering hedges. Plant 1m apart in a single row. Its speed makes it one of the quicker camellias to form a hedge, though it still takes several seasons.

Large pots. A big container works for a young plant. Move it on to a larger pot or into the ground as it grows.

Growing Kick Off Camellia in Australia

Position and climate. Sunny or partly shaded, with morning or afternoon sun, and shelter from strong wind and exposed sites. It suits cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and established plants tolerate frost. In warm humid gardens, choose a spot with some afternoon shade.

Soil. Plant in well drained soil prepared with mulch. Camellias prefer acidic conditions, so avoid lime.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 12 weeks or until established, then deeply in dry spells. Feed with a camellia specific fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune straight after flowering and no later, so you keep next season's buds.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Kick Off Camellia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. For a camellia it grows at a good pace, so a tube is an economical start for a hedge or a feature plant. Plants travel upright and settle in within a few weeks.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our full camellia range
• More flowering plants
• Plants for partial shade
• Camellia bushes: varieties, growing and care

Common questions

Why are some flowers a different colour from the rest?

Occasional blooms open all light pink or all dark pink instead of striped. That is normal for Kick Off and is not a sign of a problem.

How fast does it grow?

Faster than most camellias. It is still a gradual grower compared with many shrubs, so allow a few seasons for a hedge to close.

Is it safe for pets?

Camellias are not considered toxic to cats and dogs.