Monrovia Colonel Firey Camellia
Best evergreen shrub for gardeners in mild climates seeking winter color.
This evergreen is the ultimate winter showstopper, trading rapid growth for a slow, deliberate maturity that rewards patience with massive, formal red blooms. It demands specific acidic soil conditions, but the payoff is a structural, high-contrast masterpiece that keeps your garden vibrant long before the rest of the landscape wakes up.
$89.99
at
Armstrong Garden Centers (Shop)
Who it's for
- Homeowners in cooler climates wanting reliable, hardy evergreen shrubs
- Landscapers looking for elegant, year-round privacy screening solutions
- Gardeners seeking vibrant color during the late winter months
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with alkaline soil or heavy clay conditions
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, full-sized privacy coverage
- Busy gardeners unable to monitor for common plant pests
Performance breakdown
Bloom Impact
Large, formal red flowers create a high-contrast focal point.
Year-Round Structure
Evergreen foliage maintains garden architecture throughout all four seasons.
Climate Versatility
Thrives best in milder regions, limiting its geographic range.
Maintenance Ease
Requires specific soil acidity and consistent moisture for peak health.
Growth Predictability
Slow, steady development makes long-term landscape planning straightforward.
Seasonal Interest
Provides essential color during the dormant winter and early spring.
Key Specs
Mature Height
8 feet
Mature Width
8 feet
Bloom Time
Winter through Mid-Spring
Growth Rate
Slow
Foliage Type
Evergreen
Light Needs
Partial Shade
Water Requirements
Moderate
USDA Hardiness Zone
Zone 8
Soil Type
Organically rich, Well-drained, Acidic
Plant Form
Upright
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