Camellia japonica, commonly known as Japanese camellia, is a flowering plant native to Japan. Within the Camellia genus, there are numerous cultivars and hybrids, each with its own unique characteristics and appearances. One of the most intriguing cultivars is Camellia japonica 'Black Magic'. 'Black Magic' is a stunning camellia variety that stands out with its dark, nearly black, velvety flowers. The deep, rich color of these flowers creates a sense of mystery and elegance in any garden. The petals are large, layered, and glossy, further enhancing its overall appeal.
Camellia japonica black magic
Black Magic produces large deep black-red semi double blooms with a unique sheen (gloss) to the petals. This stunning flower is presented against glossy foliage with holly like serrations to the leaves. Black Magic has a strong growth habit and the plant does best when pruned to shape after flowering.
Planting & initial care for Black Magic:
Black Magic is suitable for planting in both, semi or fully shaded positions and will generally tolerate morning sun until midday, providing it is well mulched and watered during the summer months.
If planting Black Magic as a hedge or screen we recommend planting with a spacing of between 1.2m to 2.0m apart.
Planting holes should be at least double the width and slightly deeper than the plant container and include a blend of composted material and existing topsoil. Raised beds are recommended for heavy clay soils.
Plant Black Magic so that the top of the potting mix is level with the finished soil line, firm down soil gently around the plant for stability and water in well.
Mulch the soil surface with about 5cm of quality mulch ensuring the mulch is not mounded against the plants trunk. (Place a very thin layer of mulch adjacent to the trunk and increase to maximum depth (5cm) as it radiates away from the root zone).
Black Magic will take several months and up to a year to establish in its new home depending on the time of year it is planted. Ensure the soil is kept moist but not overwatered. Watering can be reduced as the plant establishes.
Prune in early spring for shape as required (later pruning will reduce Winter flowering).
Feed in spring with a quality general purpose fertiliser, this can be replenished in mid to late Summer as needed.
For more information go to our full PLANTING AND CARE GUIDE
Additional Info
- Colour: Red
- Flowers: Winter/Spring
- Height: Tall (3 m +)
- Width: Medium (1-2 m)
- Position: Part Shade, Shade
- Uses: Hedge, Screen, Espalier, Specimen/Standalone
The Practical Plant Geek
Today after work I stuck around for a little while to snap a few shots of my favorite camellias currently in bloom. They've been chomping at the bit for spring to arrive (as have we all) and many have lost a few flowers to the wintry cold snaps that have hit the southeast between periods of spring warmth. But the wonderful thing about camellias is that there are more buds waiting in the wings for the weather to change back to spring. The three cultivars in this post are my favorites blooming this week. I should apologize in advance for the quantity of pictures, but I just couldn't decide!
The first is Camellia japonica 'Black Magic'. This sultry beauty has dark, blood red flowers with a fringe of white hairs on the edge of the petals for extra definition. The petals are thick, glossy, and survive frosts down to at least 22 degrees Fahrenheit even when fully open (which is about 4 or 5 inches across). Hardy to zone 7, according to Camellia Forest Nursery, this camellia has a very upright habit in youth. The leaves are bright green and glossy with big teeth, providing good contrast to the flowers and an interesting texture. None of these images have been altered except a little cropping. I try to adjust the shutter speed and F-stop to provide the most accurate representation of the color in real life.
| Gratuitous artsy shot |
| Yes, the petals really start out this dark! And the white fuzz on the edges give them a wonderful definition |
| As the petals expand, they gradually lighten to a deep red tinged with black. |
| But these black flowers have a touch of gold in their hearts. |
This next one is really unusual and beautiful. Camellia japonica 'Kujaku Tsubaki' (Several years later, I happened to research this camellia a little more carefully. It's correct name is 'Hakuhan-kujaku', also sometimes called 'Kujaku Variegated'. The real 'Kujaku' has solid red petals without the white mottling.). This fascinating cultivar is also sometimes known as the peacock camellia. Hardy to zone 7, this semi-weeping shrub grows to 12' x 8' bearing 3-4" long red flowers streaked and flecked with white, so that no two are alike. They do not open fully, rather having a hose-in-hose appearance. The long, narrow leaves add to the graceful effect. Open flowers are not as hardy as 'Black Magic', suffering some damage, but buds are produced copiously providing a good show regardless.
| The beautiful specimen growing at Juniper Level Botanic Gardens |
| The white pattern on this flower actually looks like a peacock or maybe a phoenix to me. See the long tail with the wings on either side? I should have peeled back the petals and bracts at the base of the flower to see if there was a head! |
Possibly my favorite of the three plants in this post is Camellia X 'Crimson Candles'. According to Camellia Forest Nursery, which introduced this cultivar, this is an F2 hybrid betwen Camellia reticulata and Camellia fraterna. It is hardy down to USDA zone 7 and grows to 12' tall by 8' wide. A few leaves were damaged by a cold spell of 8 or 9 degrees Fahrenheit in December or January (so bad that I already can't remember) but the buds were fine and the open flowers survived a dip near 20 degrees. The flowers do start out almost red, and lend themselves to the name 'Crimson Candles', but the fully open flowers are a dark pink. Just a warning, I will say over and over again that I don't like pink flowers, but that this or that is an exception. 'Crimson Candles' is one of those exceptions.
| This specimen growing at Juniper Level Botanic Gardens has an exceptionally graceful form growing in the dense shade (in summer) of a black walnut. In sun this is a much fuller plant, but I prefer it this way. |
| It has a beautiful, layered appearance, rather than the impenetrable green blob typically seen (usually Camellia japonica and often because it's been sheared, also known as torture). |
| I love the elegant simplicity of these flowers, as opposed to the dramatic opulence or flouncy ruffles of many camellias. Even the dark green leaves are elegant and neat. |
| I started with a good shot so I'm trying to end with one, too! |
My favorite plant in the garden this week is hosted by Danger Garden. Pop on over to see what she and other bloggers are excited about this week.
Until next time.
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Camellia ‘Black Magic’ Seeds
Mid to late season bloom | You have to see it to believe it
Camellia Black Magic is an evergreen shrub offering year-round interest. Camellias are ranked as one of the very best flowering shrubs and bloom heavily for weeks when most flowering plants are going dormant. Camellia Black Magic sets medium-sized, very dark red, semidouble blooms, mid to late season. Borne in clusters, the glossy flowers have a loose peony to rose form with petals that look as if they have been dipped in dark red candle wax. They make stunning indoor displays. A Camellia japonica, also known as a Japanese camellia, Black Magic is a woody broadleaved shrub with an upright, spreading habit of unusual holly-like dark green foliage with an interesting serration and a slow growth rate. It is a perfect specimen; but grouped or massed, it creates gorgeous shrub borders, informal hedges, and screens, and its a great background structure for landscapes and mixed beds. Camellia Black Magic prefers dappled sun to part shade, consistently moist acidic, organically rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Less sun tolerant but slightly cold hardier than Camellia sasanqua, Camellia japonica should be protected from direct afternoon sun and cold winds, and roots should be protected with an application of mulch. Most camellias can grow into small trees reaching heights of 12 to 16 feet, but they can be pruned (after blooming) to maintain a height of 6 to 8 feet.
Trade Gallon (3qt)
Genus:Camellia
Species:japonica
Variety:’Black Magic’
Item Form:Trade Gallon (3qt)
Zone:7 – 9
Bloom Start to End:Mid Winter – Late Spring
Habit:Upright
Plant Height:12 ft
Plant Width:8 ft
Additional Characteristics:Double Blooms, Evergreen, Flower
Bloom Color:Dark Red
Foliage Color:Dark Green
Light Requirements:Shade, Part Shade
Moisture Requirements:Moist, well-drained
Soil Tolerance:Normal, loamy
Uses:Beds, Border, Cut Flowers, Hedge, Specimen
Restrictions: *Due to state restrictions we cannot ship to the following:
Canada, Arizona, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Virgin Islands
| Weight | 1 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1 × 1 × 1 cm |
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The petals are large, layered, and glossy, further enhancing its overall appeal. In addition to its striking appearance, 'Black Magic' also offers a pleasing fragrance. The sweet scent of its flowers adds another dimension to its desirability and makes it a favorite among garden enthusiasts and plant collectors.
When it comes to growth habit, Camellia japonica 'Black Magic' is an evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 10 feet. Its foliage is deep green and glossy, providing an attractive background for the dark flowers. The plant's dense, upright growth makes it an excellent choice for hedges, screens, or as a focal point in the garden. Like other Camellia japonica varieties, 'Black Magic' thrives in acidic soil and prefers partial shade. It is essential to provide the plant with well-draining soil and adequate moisture to ensure its optimal growth and blooming. In terms of hardiness, 'Black Magic' can tolerate some cold temperatures, making it a suitable choice for a range of climates. When it comes to care and maintenance, 'Black Magic' camellias require regular watering, especially during dry periods. Mulching the soil around the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Pruning is usually done after flowering to maintain its desired shape and promote new growth. Applying a balanced fertilizer in spring and early summer supports healthy growth and abundant blooming. Camellia japonica 'Black Magic' is a captivating cultivar that can add a touch of drama and sophistication to any garden or landscape. Its dark, velvety flowers, pleasing fragrance, and attractive growth habit make it a standout choice for those seeking a unique and eye-catching plant. With proper care and maintenance, this stunning camellia variety will continue to enchant and delight for many years to come..
Reviews for "Camellia japonica Black Magic in Art and Literature"
- Jane - 2/5 - I had high hopes for the Camellia japonica black magic, but it ended up being a disappointment. The flowers were not as dark as I had expected and the plant didn't bloom as profusely as other varieties I have seen. Additionally, the leaves were prone to yellowing and dropping, which made the plant look unhealthy. Overall, I would not recommend this particular variety of Camellia japonica.
- Mark - 2/5 - I was excited to add the Camellia japonica black magic to my garden, but it did not live up to its name. The flowers were not as dark as I had anticipated, and they also lacked the vibrant color that I had seen in pictures. The plant itself seemed weak and struggled to grow properly. I have had success with other types of Camellias, but this one was a letdown.
- Sarah - 3/5 - The Camellia japonica black magic didn't capture my attention like I thought it would. While the flowers were a deep shade of red, they lacked the dramatic darkness that was advertised. I also found that the blooms didn't last very long, which was disappointing considering the amount of care this plant required. Overall, it was an average addition to my garden, but I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it.