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Camellia Paradise Illumination

Camellia x reticulata 'Parillumination' Paradise Illumination

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A hybrid with a distinctly upright, compact habit and evergreen foliage, valued for its large purplish-pink peony-like flowers, which bloom from February to April. This is an excellent variety for low hedges, flower beds, or container cultivation. This shrub thrives in non-scorching sun as well as partial shade. Fairly hardy (-12/-15 °C), it grows best in acidic, moist, but well-drained soil.
Flower size
10 cm
Height at maturity
1.20 m
Spread at maturity
70 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March to April, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time February to April
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Description

Camellia ‘Illumination’, a hybrid camellia marketed under the name 'Paradise Illumination', combines a very colourful late flowering with a distinctly fastigiate, compact habit. Its double flowers, reminiscent of deep pink peonies, stand out beautifully against its glossy, dark green foliage. This evergreen bush can be used as a standalone specimen near an entrance, as a low hedge, or in a large pot on a patio sheltered from cold winds. It is well-suited to small gardens.

Belonging to the Theaceae family, the ‘Illumination’ cultivar is a hybrid of Camellia reticulata. It is also found under the commercial name Camellia sasanqua ‘Parillumination’. Selected by the Paradise Plants Nursery (Kulnura, New South Wales, Australia), it was developed by Bob Cherry and registered in the 1990s. The "Paradise" series comprises cultivars selected for their long flowering period, good sun tolerance, and a habit suited to small gardens, low hedges, and container cultivation.

The 'Paradise Illumination' camellia is both bushy and upright, very dense from the base, and distinctly narrow. The shrub has short, very leafy branches. At maturity, it reaches approximately 2 m in height and 1.50 m–2 m in spread when planted in the ground. Some specimens may exceed 2 m in mild climates. The evergreen leaves are leathery, ovate to elliptical, and measure 5 to 8 cm in length. They are glossy, dark green with a finely toothed margin. The root system is clumping and shallow, forming many fine rootlets sensitive to waterlogging and chalky soils. Flowering occurs from February to April and is particularly abundant. The fully double, 8 to 10 cm diameter flowers are composed of thick petals; the corolla is a purplish-pink to reddish-violet.

In the garden, position this Illumination camellia in a non-chalky, humus-bearing soil, sheltered from cold winds, in gentle sun. It is perfect in an informal or clipped hedge, in a border, or in a container 40–60 cm in diameter. In an acidic soil border, pair it with Japanese azaleas ('Koromo Shikibu' mauve or 'White Prince' blush white), which flower after it. You can also plant it in front of a fine-leaved Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’ or ‘Sangokaku’). A few winter heathers (Erica carnea) at its base will cover the ground without competing with its shallow roots.

 

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Camellias: planting, pruning and care
Family sheet
by Olivier 15 min.
Camellias: planting, pruning and care
Read article

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.20 m
Spread at maturity 70 cm
Habit fastigiate, upright
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time February to April
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 10 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Camellia

Species

x reticulata

Cultivar

'Parillumination' Paradise Illumination

Family

Theaceae

Botanical synonyms

Camellia sasanqua PARADISE ILLUMINATION, Camellia 'Paradise Illumination', Camellia 'Parillumination'

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference250391

Planting and care

Camellia 'Parillumination' tolerates full sun in favourable, mild oceanic climates, but it will be at its best in partial shade, protected from scorching sun and especially sheltered from strong winds. Plant it in moist, humus-bearing, acidic, and well-drained soil. Do not plant the shrub too deeply; the top of the root ball should be covered by 3 cm. In winter, cover it with a 5 to 7 cm thick mulch formed of leaf mould and shredded bark. Beware of late frosts, which can damage the flowers and buds. During dry periods, water the bush to prevent bud drop. It is best to plant the camellia in autumn to encourage good rooting and better flowering from the first year. Possible diseases are: chlorosis caused by excess lime, brown spots caused by scorch on leaves in full south exposure, sooty mould, scale insects, and vine weevils.

 

Planting period

Best planting time March to April, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Border, Free-standing, Small gardens, Container, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, well-drained

Care

Pruning instructions Pruning is not essential; if required, prune sparingly just after flowering, before the emergence of new spring shoots. Most camellia hybrids do not recover from overly severe pruning.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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