Debutante Camellia

Camellia japonica ‘Debutante’ is a slow-growing, upright cultivar known for light pink, peony-form flowers. The International Camellia Register recognizes Debutante as the accepted cultivar name, describes 8–10 cm early flowers, and records ‘Sara C. Hastie’ as a historic synonym; Camellia Glen independently identifies the selection as a japonica with pink informal-double flowers. The live dimensions and hardiness range are retained because these references do not establish a better single mature size for the plant. ## Flowers and foliage The flowers are large, rounded, and peony-like, with layers of light pink petals. The registered bloom window for the United States is October through March, spanning fall, winter, and early spring. The International Camellia Register also describes light green foliage and slow growth. ## Siting As a C. japonica, Debutante benefits from shade to part shade, shelter from drying winter winds, and organic, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. The current live sun selections include full sun; use protection from hot afternoon sun in climates where it stresses the foliage or flowers. Sources: [International Camellia Register: Debutante](https://camellia.iflora.cn/Cutivars/Detail?latin=Debutante) · [Camellia Glen cultivar profile](https://www.camelliaglen.com/plant/camellia/japonica/debutante/) · [NCSU Extension Japanese camellia profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/camellia-japonica/) ## Maintenance Prune sparingly after flowering if shape or damaged growth needs attention. Camellias set next year’s flower buds on older growth, so late-season pruning risks reducing the next display. Keep soil evenly moist but well drained, and avoid alkaline conditions that can contribute to yellow leaves.