Unryu Zigzag Camellia

Unryu Zigzag Camellia (Camellia japonica 'Unryu') is an evergreen shrub with glossy leaves, cup-shaped red flowers with golden stamens and stems that zigzag as they grow. It reaches 2m to 4m high and 2m to 3m wide, and mature plants are bushy right down to the ground. The flowers are as wide as a cricket ball, so it is a distinctive choice for a feature planting.

Why you'll love it

• Zigzag stems. The branches kink back and forth as they grow, which gives the shrub its common name and an architectural look even when it is not in flower.
• Big red cup flowers. Cup-shaped red blooms with golden stamens inside are about the width of a cricket ball.
• Bushy to the ground. Mature plants carry glossy dark green foliage right down to the soil, which suits hedging as well as feature planting.
• More than one job. It works as a flowering shrub, a dense hedge or a feature plant, so you can choose the role that suits your garden.
• Frost tolerant once settled. Japonicas cope with cool climates, and Unryu tolerates frost once it is established.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Place it where the zigzag stems can be seen, beside a path or a gate or against a plain wall. Allow room for a plant that can reach 2m to 4m high and 2m to 3m wide.

Hedges. Plant 1.2m apart in a row for a deep, dark evergreen hedge. It is a big plant, so give it space and a few seasons to knit together.

Large pots. Young plants suit a large container for their first few years. Move them to the ground or a bigger pot as they grow.

Growing Unryu Zigzag Camellia in Australia

Position and climate. Sunny or partly shaded, with morning or afternoon sun, and sheltered 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 position with some afternoon shade.

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 keep the shape you want. Later pruning removes the buds for the following season.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Unryu Zigzag Camellia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The distinctive stems and big flowers develop as the plant matures, so a tube is the start of a long term feature rather than an instant one. Plants travel upright and settle in within a few weeks.

Tube stock is supplied by our grower and is not always on hand. If the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is available again.

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 pots and tubs
• Hedging and screening plants
• Camellia bushes: varieties, growing and care

Common questions

Why is it called zigzag?

The stems change direction as they grow, giving the branches a zigzag line. It is the main feature that sets Unryu apart from other japonica camellias.

Can I use Unryu as a hedge?

Yes. It is bushy to the ground when mature, so it makes a dense evergreen hedge. Plant 1.2m apart and allow several seasons for it to close.

Is it safe for pets?

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