‘Mrs. Bertha’ Camellia

Camellia japonica ‘Mrs. Bertha A. Harms‘

Other Names: Auburn White Camellia

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 7b-9b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Evergreen Flowering Shrub

Species: Japonica (Late Winter/Spring blooming)

Height at Maturity: 8-12′ depending on pruning

Width at Maturity: 6-10′ depending on pruning

Habit/Form: Upright Rounded
Spacing: 6′ for solid hedges; 12’+ for space between plants

Flower Color: White Shades sometimes blushed with Soft Pink

Flower Size: Large, 5-6″

Flowering Period: Late Winter, Early Spring

Flower Type: Semi Double to Double Peony Form

Fragrant Flowers: No

Foliage Color: Very Dark Green

Fragrant Foliage: No

Berries: No

Berry Color: NA

Sun Needs: Morning Sun with Afternoon Shade or Filtered Sun, All Day Filtered Sun

Water Needs: Average, Lower when established

Soil Type: Clay (amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sand, Silt

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well Drained

Soil pH: 5.0 – 6.5 (Acid)

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer, Drought (when established), Heat, Humidity

Intolerances: Direct Afternoon Sun, Constantly Soggy Soil

Description

An oldie-but-goodie dating back to the 1800’s but making its way from the Far East to the garden of a Mrs. Jaffe in Tukwila, Washington in 1900, ‘Mrs. Bertha A. Harms’ Camellia was eventually named by H. H. Harms of Portland, Oregon in 1949. We presume he named it after his wife. This gorgeous Camellia has stood the test of time for good reasons. A later bloomer than other varieties in this species, Mrs. Bertha displays abundant rose-shaped, blush-pink flower buds that unfurl like roses opening like roses to very large and gorgeous semi-double blooms up to 6 inches across with ivory-white petals surrounding a boss of yellow stamens. Bloom occurs from early-mid spring to late spring. The flowers stand out nicely against waxy deep green leaves and are excellent for cutting and display in you favorite vase or floating in a bowl of water. This handsome evergreen flowering beauty might reach 8 to 12 feet in height and 6 to 10 feet wide.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide, the Mrs. Bertha Camellia can be grown as a large shrub or small tree. As a shrub this beauty is ideal for use as a specimen, in groupings, or as a hedge or background plant in landscape borders and is especially nice as a corner plant or espalier (trained to grow flat against a wall) in home foundation plantings. As she grows taller lower branches can be removed to form a highly attractive and colorful small evergreen tree that serves well as a focal point specimen in landscape borders and home foundation plantings. A fine addition to camellia gardens, white theme gardens, Asian gardens, cottage gardens, cut flower gardens and woodland borders.

Suggested Spacing: 6 feet apart for a solid hedge; 12 feet or more apart for space between plants

Growing Preferences

Camellia adapt well to various soil types however prefer a moist but well-drained acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Constantly soggy soil is a slow killer. In general, Camellia grows and blooms better in partial shade with some shelter from the hot afternoon sun. Morning sun with afternoon shade or filtered sunlight is perfect. All-day filtered sun is fine.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Camellias.

Planting Camellias

Pruning Camellias

How To Fertilize & Water Camellias

How To Espalier Plants & Trees

*Espalier (pronounced: ih-spal-yay) …an ornamental shrub or tree that has been trained to grow flat against a wall, fence, or other vertical, flat surface.

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As per my previous orders, Mrs. Bertha Camellia arrived quickly, well packed, and hydrated upon arrival, looking quite healthy, with numerous buds! I can’t wait to see the blooms!!! Thanks so much!!!——————————————————————-We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

So pleased with the plants condition and packaging upon arrival. Planted immediately seems to be thriving new growth already!———————————————————————We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG