Plant Portraits: Camellia ros. 'Cupido'

Thinking what else i could add on here for interest, i came across the idea of Plant Portraits. I will aim to showcase a particular plant each week that i grow or am trialling. This week's chosen plant is Camellia rosthorniana 'Cupido'.

Red-flushed new foliage compliments the deep pink flowers buds which emerge to reveal pretty, pendulous white-pink blooms. A neat pyramidal habit makes this plant ideal as a specimen plant for a container. Growing to an eventual height of 5ft with a maximum spread of approx 30inches, 'Cupido' can fit into all but the smallest of gardens.

Bred by Akira Shibamichi in Japan, 'Cupido' as 'Elina' as it is otherwise known offers year round interest. As it was a new introduction for 2015 not much is written about this plant. However i am growing mine in it's pot outside in a shady position. As with all camellias, the flowerbuds do not want to be exposed to an easterly position where, after a frost, they can thaw too quickly and disfigure.

I think i'm going to like C.rosthorniana 'Cupido'. Even now in January it's new growth boasts it's warm colouring against the myriad small pinky-white buds eagerly waiting to burst open.

Flowering Period: March-May

Height: 5ft

Spead: 30"

Position: Will perform in both shade/partial shade (being of woodland origin)

Hardy Evergreen