The Majestic White By The Gate Camellia Japonica

The elegant white by the gate camellia (Camellia japonica ‘White By The Gate’) is one of the most beautiful flowering shrubs for brightening up winter gardens. This Camellia variety is prized by gardeners for its stunning formal double pure white blooms that emerge in abundance from late winter into spring. With its lush evergreen foliage upright branching habit, hardiness and long-blooming flowers, the white by the gate camellia makes a sensational specimen plant.

Overview of White By The Gate Camellia

Part of the Theaceae family along with the tea plant camellias are native to eastern and southern Asia. There are over 300 species with Camellia japonica being one of the most popular for ornamental use. White by the gate is a C. japonica cultivar that originated in the 1960s at nurseries in South Carolina.

This camellia grows to 10-12 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide in an upright, spreading shape. The leaves are thick, glossy and oval-shaped with serrated edges. As the shrub matures, the lush deep green canopy provides some tolerance for more sun exposure.

Gorgeous Winter Blooms

Without a doubt, the main claim to fame of the white by the gate camellia is its magnificent winter blooms. Each pristine double flower reaches 3-4 inches across, unfurling from late winter through early spring.

The floral display starts as pale buds, then opens to reveal glowing white full camellia flowers with overlapping petals. The abundance of blooms stand out brightly against the dark green foliage.

Ideal Growing Conditions

To thrive, the white by the gate camellia requires:

• Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 7-9. Offer protection from harsh winds and sudden temperature drops.

• Sun: Dappled or filtered sun is ideal. Avoid hot afternoon sun exposure.

• Soil: Moist, acidic, organically enriched soil. Dislikes soggy or alkaline soils.

• Water: Consistent moisture needed, though established plants have some drought tolerance.

• Care: Moderate maintenance. Prune lightly after flowering. Monitor for pests like tea scale.

How to Display White By The Gate Camellia

Here are some tips for beautifully showcasing this winter-blooming camellia in your garden:

• Grow as a focal point or specimen shrub surrounded by lower plants like ferns.

• Underplant with early bulbs like snowdrops or winter aconite for a harmonious white-on-white scheme.

• Allow breathing room for air circulation and use a dark backdrop to make the flowers pop.

• Site near entries, patios or walkways so you can admire the blooms up close.

• Pair with other white or pastel winter flowers like hellebores for a cohesive look.

• Plant in containers on patios or decks to bring the blossoms to eye level.

Ideal Companion Plants

The white by the gate camellia pairs wonderfully with other acid-loving plants like:

• Rhododendrons & azaleas
• Japanese maples
• Kalmia latifolia
• Pieris japonica
• Skimmia japonica
• Mahonia varieties
• Hydrangeas
• Hellebores
• Evergreen ferns

Caring for White By The Gate Camellia

Aside from frequent watering when first planted, the white by the gate camellia is relatively low maintenance. Follow these care tips:

• Water 1-2 inches per week, adjusting for weather.

• Apply 2-4 inches of mulch to retain moisture around roots.

• Prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove deadwood.

• Feed in early spring with camellia fertilizer.

• Monitor for pests like tea scale and treat promptly.

With its stately evergreen presence, abundant winter blooms and graceful form, the white by the gate camellia is a head-turning addition to any winter garden. Give it the right conditions and a bit of care, and this Camellia japonica cultivar will thrive for decades of beauty.