Images Depict Mature Plants
White by the Gate Camellia
Camellia japonica 'White by the Gate'
White by the Gate Camellia is one of those plants that feels like instant “garden polish”—pure white blooms in late winter to early spring, plus glossy evergreen leaves that keep your beds looking finished all year. Give it well-drained, slightly acidic soil, bright part shade, and steady moisture while it gets established, and it’ll reward you with a bloom season that looks formal and timeless without ever feeling fussy.
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White By The Gate Camellia For Pure White Winter Blooms, Glossy Evergreen Structure, And Elegant Part-Shade Color
Pure White Formal Double Blooms When The Garden Is Quiet
White by the Gate Camellia is the definition of refined, classic beauty: large, formal double flowers in a clean, luminous white that looks intentional in any landscape. Blooming from late winter into early spring, it delivers a true “event” season—right when most gardens are still waiting for spring. Tuck it near a walkway, by the front door, or outside a favorite window and you’ll enjoy the bloom show up close, not just as a background plant you forget about.
The bright white blooms stand out beautifully against deep green foliage, and that high-contrast look reads crisp in formal designs and soft in mixed, romantic borders. White is also the easiest color to design with: it pairs with everything, it brightens shade, and it elevates a bed without competing with other plants. If you want a camellia that feels timeless, polished, and never “too much,” this variety delivers dependable flower power with a calm, elegant vibe.
Glossy Evergreen Foliage That Makes Beds Look Finished Year-Round
Even when it’s not in bloom, White by the Gate earns its spot as a broadleaf evergreen with rich, glossy leaves and dense branching. That evergreen structure is what makes camellias so valuable in design—your foundation beds don’t collapse visually in winter, and your shade borders keep their “bones” in every season. In spring and summer, the foliage becomes a high-end backdrop for perennials. In fall and winter, it’s the steady green anchor that keeps landscapes looking cared-for.
Because it’s naturally refined, it works in multiple roles: as a single specimen shrub, repeated rhythmically along a path, or grouped to create an evergreen screen with a flowering payoff. With light pruning after bloom, it stays full and handsome without turning into a constant maintenance project. This is the kind of evergreen that quietly upgrades your landscape year-round.
Part Shade Performance With Smart, Simple Care
Camellias shine in part sun to shade, and White by the Gate is happiest with gentle morning sun or bright filtered light, plus protection from hot afternoon exposure and drying winter winds. That “protected brightness” supports better foliage, stronger bud set, and flowers that hold their beauty longer. If you have a spot near a wall, fence, or under a high tree canopy with good light, you’re already close to ideal.
Drainage is the deciding factor for camellia success. Aim for well-drained soil that’s slightly acidic and enriched with organic matter, and avoid low spots that stay wet after rain. Mulch helps keep roots cool, buffers moisture, and reduces stress during heat. Give steady moisture during the first growing season, then transition to deep watering during dry spells. Do that, and you’ll have a long-lived evergreen shrub that looks upscale and blooms reliably with a simple, repeatable routine.
An Elegant Hedge Or Screen With Deer-Resistance Benefits
White by the Gate Camellia is a standout choice for a flowering evergreen hedge: dense enough to define space, refined enough for front-yard plantings, and bright enough to feel special when it blooms. It’s also commonly considered deer resistant—never a guarantee, but camellias are often less appealing than many tender shrubs, which can help preserve foliage and shape where browsing pressure is a concern.
For hedge results that look intentional (not crowded), spacing and airflow matter as much as pruning. Plant with the end goal in mind—closer spacing for a faster screen, wider spacing for easier maintenance, and a more natural form. Then, prune only after flowering to preserve next season’s buds while keeping the hedge tidy. The payoff is an evergreen wall that stays green year-round and then delivers a pure white bloom season that ordinary hedges simply can’t match.
| Hardiness Zone: | 7-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 6 to 8 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 4 to 6 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Part sun to shade (best with afternoon protection) |
| Bloom Time / Color | Late winter to early spring; pure white, formal double blooms |
| Soil Condition: | Well-drained; prefers slightly acidic, organic-rich soil |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate; consistent moisture while establishing |
| Wildlife Value | Early-season pollinator interest |
| Resistance (deer/disease/drought/etc.) | Deer resistant (not deer-proof); best performance with good drainage |
| Landscape Uses | Specimen, foundation plantings, evergreen hedge/screen, mixed borders, woodland edges, large containers |
How to Care for White by the Gate Camellia
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy White by the Gate Camellia plant for years to come!
How should I plant White by the Gate Camellia?
Choose a site with part sun to shade—morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal—and confirm the soil drains well. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper, then set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with (or slightly above) the surrounding soil. Backfill, firm gently, and water deeply to settle the soil around the roots. Finish with a 2–3-inch mulch layer over the root zone to stabilize moisture and temperature, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk. If your soil is heavy or stays wet, improve drainage before planting and avoid low spots, because camellias perform best with evenly moist soil that never becomes waterlogged.
How often should I water White by the Gate Camellia after planting?
Water thoroughly right after planting, then water deeply once or twice per week during the first growing season, adjusting for rainfall and heat. The goal is consistent moisture—not soggy soil—so roots expand outward beyond the original root ball. A slow soak at the base is ideal because it drives water deeper and encourages stronger rooting. After the first year, water during extended dry spells rather than on a strict calendar. Check the soil a few inches down; if it feels dry, water deeply. Consistent moisture is especially helpful in late summer and fall, when camellias are forming the buds that become next season’s flowers.
When should I fertilize White by the Gate Camellia?
Fertilize in early spring just before or as new growth begins, using a slow-release fertilizer formulated for camellias or other acid-loving plants. Apply around the drip line rather than against the trunk, then water in well so nutrients move into the root zone and are available for steady growth and bloom support. If you want a gentler approach, top-dress with compost in spring and refresh mulch to improve soil structure over time. Avoid heavy feeding late in the season, and don’t over-fertilize—too much fertilizer can push lush foliage at the expense of flowers and can stress the plant.
When and how should I prune White by the Gate Camellia?
Prune right after flowering finishes so you don’t remove buds for the next bloom season. Start by removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches, then thin lightly to improve airflow and keep the interior from becoming crowded. Use clean, sharp pruners and make selective cuts rather than shearing. For shaping, shorten a few longer shoots to refine the outline while preserving a natural form. If you’re growing it as a hedge, do one thoughtful trim after bloom and then stop—camellias set buds later, and a late-season trim can remove next season’s flowers.
