Camellia ‘White Doves’ is a specific and highly valued variety, cherished for its elegant white blooms. This camellia offers a refined presence, enhancing garden spaces with its classic beauty. Gardeners frequently seek out this cultivar for its consistent display and appealing growth habit.
Distinctive Features of Camellia ‘White Doves’
Camellia ‘White Doves’ (Camellia sasanqua ‘Mine-No-Yuki’) is celebrated for its sparkling white, semi-double flowers. These blooms typically measure around 3 inches wide and feature numerous petals, often with golden yellow stamens scattered throughout. The flowers emerge profusely from fall through winter, providing color during cooler months. Its glossy, dark green leaves remain evergreen year-round, creating an attractive backdrop for the pristine white blossoms.
This camellia exhibits a rounded, spreading, and somewhat willowy growth habit, making it adaptable for various garden uses. Mature plants generally reach a height of 5 to 9 feet with a similar spread. Camellia ‘White Doves’ is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10, with some tolerance to zone 6.
Planting and Establishment
Selecting an appropriate site is important for the successful establishment of Camellia ‘White Doves’. This plant thrives in partial shade, ideally receiving morning sun and afternoon shade, or filtered sunlight. Protection from harsh winds is beneficial, as exposed conditions can cause damage to leaves and flowers. The plant prefers rich, acidic soil that is well-draining, with an ideal pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Before planting, enriching the soil with organic matter such as peat moss, leaf mold, or compost can significantly improve drainage and fertility. Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent waterlogging. After placing the plant, backfill the hole and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. For new plantings, consistent watering is important during the first growing season to encourage extensive root system development.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent watering is important, especially during dry periods and for newly established plants. Keep soil evenly moist, but never waterlogged, as camellias do not tolerate standing water. Water deeply when the top 3 inches of soil feel dry. Rainwater is often preferred due to its acidity.
Fertilize after the blooming season concludes, about a month after flowers drop. Use an acid-specific fertilizer (e.g., for camellias, azaleas, or rhododendrons) with an NPK ratio like 12-4-8 or 16-4-8. Apply a slow-release formula in early to late spring for sustained nutrition. Avoid fertilizing late summer, as this encourages new growth susceptible to winter cold damage.
Prune after flowering in late spring to mid-summer. This allows for light shaping to maintain form and size. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to maintain vigor and air circulation. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Addressing Common Issues
Camellia ‘White Doves’ can encounter issues related to environmental conditions or common garden pests. Inconsistent watering, especially during bud development, can lead to bud drop. Ensuring consistently moist soil, especially in dry spells, helps prevent this. Direct afternoon sun can cause leaf scorch (browned or burnt leaf edges), indicating a need for more shade.
While generally robust, camellias can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Root rot can occur in poorly draining soils where water accumulates; ensure well-drained soil for prevention. Spider mites can become an issue, particularly in dry conditions; maintaining adequate soil moisture can help deter them. Proper plant spacing for air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can reduce the risk of fungal diseases like petal blight.