Nuccio's pearl camellia is an evergreen shrub that is native to Japan. It grows to be about 6 to 8 feet tall and has white flowers with pale pink centers. The flowers bloom in the spring and early summer.
Related plant:
Camellia Nuccio's Gem
About soil condition, Nuccio's Pearl Camellia prefers acidic, humus-rich soil that is well-drained. It will tolerate some shade, but flowers best in full sun. Camellias are generally drought tolerant once established, but perform best with regular watering during dry spells.
Similar to other camellias, Nuccios Pearl prefers a sunny spot out of the wind. It will do best in morning sun and afternoon shade, but can take full sun if given enough moisture. It is quite drought tolerant once established.
The temperature condition that is necessary for Nuccio's Pearl Camellia to thrive is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees, the leaves will start to turn brown and fall off. If the temperature rises above 70 degrees, the flowers will begin to wilt.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 70%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will begin to drop and the plant will become stressed. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will yellow and the plant will be more susceptible to fungal diseases.
About fertilizer, usually the plant doesn't need a lot. You can use organic or inorganic fertilizer, but be careful not to overdo it because too much fertilizer can damage the roots. For inorganic fertilizer, you can use Miracle-Gro or similar products. For organic fertilizer, you can use compost or manure.
Pruning is an important step in the care of your Nuccio's Pearl camellia. Pruning will help to shape the plant, promote new growth, and keep the plant healthy. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. Cut back any branches that are rubbing against each other or that are crossing. You can prune your Nuccio's Pearl camellia any time of year, but late winter or early spring is the best time to do it.
Propagation is best achieved via grafting or layering. Grafting is the more common method, and is done by taking a 6-8 inch cutting from a desired Camellia plant and splicing it onto the rootstock of another Camellia. Layering is done by taking a low-hanging branch of a Camellia plant and burying it in soil. After several weeks, once the branch has rooted, it can be cut from the mother plant and potted.
Usually, the plant growth rate is generally slow to medium. However, it has been noted that some growth rates can be faster when the plant is young. The plant prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. It is also important to provide shelter from strong winds.
Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot, caterpillars, and scale insects. Root rot is caused by too much water and results in the plant's roots rotting. Caterpillars eat the leaves of the plant, and scale insects suck the sap from the plant, causing it to weaken.
Source:
Camellias | Mississippi State University Extension Service
Camellia | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Camellia sasanqua (Sasanqua Camellia) | North Carolina
