Camellia Kramer's Supreme

Camellia Kramer's Supreme typically blooms for a period of six to eight weeks, with the blooming season occurring from late winter through early spring. This extended bloom time makes it a valuable addition to the garden, as it provides vibrant red double blooms during a time when many other plants are still dormant. The large, rose-like flowers open gradually, ensuring a prolonged display that brings life and color to the garden in the colder months. The striking red blooms contrast beautifully with the glossy, deep green foliage, making Kramer's Supreme Camellia an eye-catching focal point during its blooming period.

The exact length of the blooming period for Camellia Kramer's Supreme can be influenced by growing conditions, including light, temperature, and overall plant health. To ensure a long and successful bloom, plant the shrub in a location with partial shade and protect it from harsh afternoon sun, which can cause the delicate flowers to fade more quickly. Providing consistent moisture and using an acidic fertilizer in early spring also supports abundant flowering. With proper care, you can enjoy the extended bloom time of Camellia Kramer's Supreme, which not only beautifies the garden but also provides nectar for pollinators during the early part of the year.

To plant a Camellia Kramer's Supreme hedge, start by selecting a suitable location with partial shade that protects the plants from harsh afternoon sun, which can stress the foliage and reduce bloom quality. The soil should be well-drained, slightly acidic, and enriched with organic matter like compost or peat moss. Dig individual planting holes that are twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the root ball itself, spaced 4 to 6 feet apart to allow each shrub ample space for growth while still forming a dense hedge. Place each plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground, backfill with the soil, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and ensure good root-to-soil contact.

Once your Camellia Kramer's Supreme hedge is planted, proper care is crucial to promote healthy growth and vibrant flowering. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of each plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a stable soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. During the first growing season, water deeply and regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, as camellias do not tolerate standing water. Fertilize your hedge in early spring using an acidic, slow-release fertilizer to encourage lush foliage and beautiful red blooms. Prune lightly after the blooming season to shape the hedge and remove any dead or damaged branches. With proper planting and ongoing care, your Camellia Kramer's Supreme hedge will provide stunning red flowers and lush evergreen foliage, creating a beautiful and functional screen in your garden.

Camellia Kramer's Supreme is known for its slow to moderate growth rate, typically adding 6 to 12 inches per year under ideal conditions. The growth rate can vary depending on factors such as soil quality, sunlight, water, and overall care. It may take several years for the shrub to reach its mature height of 6 to 8 feet, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want a well-behaved plant that doesn’t require frequent pruning to keep it in check. This slow growth habit is ideal for creating a dense, low-maintenance hedge or for planting as an eye-catching specimen without the risk of rapid overgrowth. By providing the plant with partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil, you can help maximize its growth potential.

While Camellia Kramer's Supreme grows at a slower pace compared to some other flowering shrubs, it rewards patience with abundant and stunning blooms. Proper care, including consistent watering and annual fertilization in early spring with an acidic fertilizer, will support healthy growth and encourage beautiful, large red flowers during late winter to early spring. Mulching around the base of the plant will also help maintain soil moisture and promote steady growth. Despite its moderate growth rate, Camellia Kramer's Supreme develops into a strong, structured shrub with lush evergreen foliage that provides year-round interest and becomes a focal point in any landscape.

To protect your Camellia Kramer's Supreme during the winter, start by ensuring it is well-mulched before the cold weather sets in. Apply a 3 to 4-inch layer of organic mulch, such as pine straw, bark, or leaves, around the base of the shrub. This mulch acts as insulation, helping to keep the roots warm and regulate soil temperature, which is crucial during freezing temperatures. Be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture-related rot. If your region experiences extreme cold or sudden temperature fluctuations, you can wrap the shrub in burlap to shield it from cold winds and frost, which can damage both leaves and flower buds.

Another effective way to protect Camellia Kramer's Supreme in winter is to provide it with a windbreak, especially if planted in an exposed area. Cold winter winds can desiccate the foliage and damage flower buds, reducing the quality of blooms in the following spring. If possible, plant your camellia in a location with natural protection from wind, such as near a wall or fence, or use temporary windbreaks like burlap screens. Additionally, make sure the shrub is well-watered before the ground freezes; hydrated soil retains heat better and helps protect the roots. Avoid over-fertilizing in late summer, as this can encourage new growth that is more vulnerable to frost damage. With proper winter care, your Camellia Kramer's Supreme will be well-protected, allowing it to produce its stunning red blooms once winter comes to an end.

Camellia Kramer's Supreme is generally considered deer resistant, making it a great choice for gardens in areas where deer are known to browse. The shrub's glossy, thick foliage and leathery texture make it less palatable to deer compared to other tender garden plants. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, Kramer's Supreme Camellia is typically not a preferred food source, and deer are more likely to leave it alone, especially when there are other more attractive options available. Planting this camellia can help reduce the risk of damage, allowing it to grow undisturbed and produce its beautiful, large red flowers.

To further protect Camellia Kramer's Supreme from deer, you can take a few additional precautions. Planting it near the house or in a more sheltered spot can reduce deer activity, as these animals tend to avoid heavily trafficked areas. Using deer repellents or planting deer-resistant companion plants around the camellia may also deter browsing. Additionally, fencing or netting around the shrub can offer physical protection, particularly during times when food sources are scarce, and deer may be more tempted to sample less favorable plants. With its natural deer resistance and a few extra protective measures, Camellia Kramer's Supreme can flourish in your garden, providing stunning color and year-round evergreen foliage without the worry of deer damage.