Lemon Drop Camellia

Lemon Drop Camellia (Camellia japonica 'Lemon Drop') is a dark, glossy evergreen shrub, about 2m high and 1.8m wide, with medium-small semi-double or anemone flowers in cream to pale yellow. The petals fade almost white at the edge and soften to pale yellow at the centre. It makes a refined hedge or feature shrub, best in sheltered cool climate gardens or in dappled shade in warmer ones.

Why you'll love it

• Soft cream and pale yellow flowers. The colour is gentle rather than bright lemon, fading almost white towards the edge of each petal.
• Dark glossy leaves. The deep green foliage sets the pale flowers off and looks smart all year.
• Two flower forms. The blooms are semi-double or anemone form, which gives a slightly different look from the usual full double camellia.
• A refined hedge. The upright, dense habit makes a smart ornamental hedge at around 2m.
• Frost tolerant once settled. Japonicas cope with cool climates, and this one tolerates frost once established.

Where it works best

Hedges and screens. Plant 1m apart in a single row for a dark green evergreen hedge with pale flowers. Expect it to take some seasons to close.

A feature in a sheltered spot. The soft colour suits a shaded courtyard or the shelter of a wall, where the pale blooms glow against dark leaves.

Pots and containers. It grows well in a large container, which gives you the option of moving it into the shade of a verandah in summer.

Growing Lemon Drop Camellia in Australia

Position and climate. Sunny or partly shaded, with morning or afternoon sun, and sheltered from strong wind. It is happiest in sheltered cool climate gardens, and in warmer districts dappled shade is best. Established plants tolerate frost, so it suits cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens.

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

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 12 weeks or until established, then keep the soil evenly moist through dry spells. Feed with a camellia specific fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to shape the plant. Pruning later in the year removes the buds for next season.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Lemon Drop Camellia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 300mm pots singly. Tubes are the economical start for a hedge, while a 300mm plant gives a head start where you want a feature shrub. Plants travel upright and settle in within a few weeks.

Tubes come from our grower and are not always in supply. When none are available the tube shows as sold out here, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it returns.

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
• Plants for cool climates
• Best hedging plants
• Camellia bushes: varieties, growing and care

Common questions

What colour are the flowers?

Soft cream to pale yellow, almost white at the petal edges. They are gentle rather than bright yellow.

Where should I plant it in a warm climate?

In dappled shade and out of hot wind. Morning sun with afternoon shade suits it well in warmer gardens.

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

Camellias are not considered toxic to cats and dogs, so it is an easy choice for a family garden.