Camellia ‘Cinnamon Cindy’ is a sought-after plant known for its rich, sweet, cinnamon-like fragrance. This unique aroma, combined with its charming blooms, makes it popular among gardeners. It is a hybrid developed to introduce strong fragrance into camellias, resulting from a cross between Camellia japonica and Camellia lutchuensis.
Distinctive Characteristics of Cinnamon Cindy Camellia
‘Cinnamon Cindy’ camellia displays small, peony-form flowers, about 2 inches (5 cm) wide. These blooms appear in clusters, featuring white inner petals with delicate pink tinges on their outer edges, sometimes opening as blush pink and fading to sugar white. A center of pure white petaloids is complemented by orange anthers and white filaments. The foliage consists of glossy, dark to medium green, ovate-shaped, serrated leaves, providing an evergreen backdrop.
This camellia hybrid grows as a medium-sized evergreen shrub with an upright to spreading habit. It reaches a mature height of 8 to 10 feet (240-300 cm) and spreads 3 to 6 feet (90-180 cm) wide, with a slow to moderate growth rate. ‘Cinnamon Cindy’ blooms from late midwinter to early spring. It is cold hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 7 through 9.
Planting Your Cinnamon Cindy Camellia
Site selection is key for ‘Cinnamon Cindy’ establishment. This camellia thrives in partial shade, ideally receiving morning sun with afternoon shade or all-day filtered sun. Choose a location that offers shelter from cold, dry winds, which can damage buds and flowers. Good air circulation also helps deter disease.
Soil is crucial for ‘Cinnamon Cindy’ camellia health. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter. An ideal soil pH range for camellias is between 4.5 and 6.5. When preparing the planting site, ensure the soil drains well, as soggy conditions harm roots.
When planting, dig a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep. Plant camellias high, ensuring the top of the root ball or trunk base remains at or slightly above the surrounding soil line. Gently loosen any circling roots before placing the plant. Backfill with amended soil, lightly tamping to remove large air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent moisture is important for ‘Cinnamon Cindy’ camellias during active growth and blooming. Deep watering is recommended to thoroughly saturate the root ball. For container-grown plants, water until it flows from the drainage holes, but avoid leaving the pot in standing water to prevent root saturation. Water temperature should be tepid to avoid shocking the roots.
Fertilization promotes robust growth and abundant flowering. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants in spring, after the bloom season. This timing allows the plant to absorb nutrients for the upcoming growth cycle without interfering with current blooms. Distribute the fertilizer evenly around the drip line and water thoroughly.
Prune ‘Cinnamon Cindy’ camellia after its flowering season, in mid to late spring, before new buds form. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and maintain health. Lightly trim to shape the plant and encourage new growth, leading to more blooms in subsequent seasons. Always use clean, sharp pruning tools to make precise cuts and minimize disease transmission.
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as leaves or shredded bark, around the camellia’s base. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weed growth, and moderates soil temperature, keeping roots cool in warmer weather. An annual application also gradually adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes.
In colder regions, winter protection may be necessary for ‘Cinnamon Cindy’ camellias. While hardy to USDA Zone 7, cold spells can still pose a threat, especially to younger plants or container-grown ones. Container camellias are more susceptible to root damage if the soil freezes; move them to a sheltered location or insulate pots during extended freezing temperatures. Protecting plants from early morning sun after a hard freeze also prevents damage.
Addressing Common Challenges
Yellowing leaves on ‘Cinnamon Cindy’ camellia can indicate chlorosis, often resulting from high soil pH that prevents nutrient absorption. Ensuring acidic, well-drained soil helps prevent this. Lack of blooms or bud drop can occur due to insufficient watering, sudden temperature fluctuations, or improper fertilization. Consistent moisture and protection from winds aid bud development.
Signs of stress, such as wilting, point to issues with water availability. Camellias prefer consistent moisture but are intolerant of soggy conditions that can lead to root rot. Proper drainage is important for preventing water-related stress.
‘Cinnamon Cindy’ camellias can be affected by common garden pests like scale insects, aphids, and vine weevils. Regular inspection helps in early detection, allowing for intervention. Minor infestations can be managed with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Petal blight is a fungal disease affecting camellia blooms. Good sanitation, such as promptly removing and destroying fallen leaves and infected flowers, reduces disease spread.