Camellia Eleanor McCown

Eleanor McCown Camellia, Japanese Camellia

Camellia japonica ‘Eleanor McCown’ — commonly called Eleanor McCown Camellia — is an evergreen, spring-blooming shrub valued for its large, soft pink, semi-double to peony-form flowers with ruffled petals and golden stamens, appearing from late winter into early spring. Glossy, dark green foliage forms a dense, upright to rounded shrub and provides year-round structure, with no significant fall color. Its refined habit and elegant blooms make it a classic choice for shaded landscapes and foundation plantings.

Mature Size:
Width: 6–8 ft
Height: 8–10 ft

USDA Zones: 7a–9b
Light: Partial shade (protect from hot afternoon sun)
Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic soils
Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
Wildlife: Attracts bees

Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Upright to rounded evergreen shrub with dense branching
Excellent for foundation plantings, woodland gardens, hedges, and specimen use
Showy early-season blooms provide color when little else is flowering
Glossy foliage offers year-round interest
Deer resistant

Maintenance:
Prune after flowering to shape if needed
Mulch to maintain cool, moist root conditions
Protect from harsh winter winds in cooler zones

Plant type

Evergreen Shrub

Height

8-10'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

7–9

Sunlight

Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Early Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Well Drained

Landscape use

Foundation Plant, Hedge, Specimen

Shape

Compact, Rounded, Upright

Drought tolerant

No