The Japanese Camellia is one of the predominant species in the genus. Its many cultivars come in a wide variety of forms, sizes, and colors. They are best grown in moist, acidic, organically rich, well drained soil. 'White by the Gate' is a double white cultivar of the winter blooming camellia in the Theaceae (tea) family. Its pure white blooms set it aside from other white camellias that tend to contain a hint of pink in their coloring. Winter hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 9, however, unusually cold temperatures can damage or kill this specimen, particularly when there is a sudden temperature change. Like other cultivars in the genus, shelter from cold, dry winds which tend to damage the buds and flowers. Provide some shade to protect the plant from direct summer sun. Mature plants can withstand more sun when their roots are covered by a dense canopy of leaves. Mature plants are drought tolerant. The plant will tolerate pruning, but keep in mind that next year's blossoms will appear on old growth. The optimum time to plant is in the cooler months, November through March. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common camellia diseases and insect pests. More information on Camellia japonica .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheCamellia japonica 'Kramer' s Supreme'Camellia japonica 'Lady Clare'Salvia rosmarinus
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Shrub; Tree
Life cycle
Woody
USDA zones
7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Light
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Dry
Available space
3 feet-6 feet; 6-feet-12 feet
NC region
Coastal; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in. | Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Dense; Erect; Rounded; Spreading
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Ovate
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf feel
Glossy; Leathery
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
The glossy, deep green foliage compliments the pure white flowers.
Flower color
White
Flower value
Long Bloom Season
Flower form
Head
Flower shape
Saucer
Flower size
3-6 inches
Flower detail
Double white flowers.
Bloom time
Spring; Winter
Bark color
Dark Gray; Light Gray
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Japan, China and Korea
Wildlife value
Bees are attracted to the flowers.
Attracts
Bees
Play value
Attractive Flowers; Buffer; Easy to Grow; Screening