Camellia japonica Kramers Supreme

Camellia japonica 'Kramer's Supreme' is a magnificent evergreen flowering shrub renowned for its spectacular, large, deep red flowers, delicate fragrance and glossy dark green foliage. Its impressive peony-shaped blooms feature numerous beautifully ruffled petals, creating a stunning display during winter and spring.

Unlike many Camellia japonica varieties, 'Kramer's Supreme' is particularly valued for its fragrant flowers, making it an excellent choice for planting near patios, pathways and outdoor entertaining areas where its beautiful blooms can be appreciated.

With its vigorous, upright growth habit and naturally dense foliage, this outstanding camellia is ideal for feature planting, flowering hedges, privacy screening and large decorative pots. It performs particularly well in sheltered Sunshine Coast gardens with morning sunlight and protection from harsh afternoon sun.

Flowers

Large to very large, fully double, peony-form flowers in rich crimson to brilliant deep red. The blooms feature numerous overlapping, ruffled petals, creating a full, rounded appearance resembling a traditional peony.

Individual flowers generally measure approximately 10–13 cm across and have a delicate, pleasant fragrance.

Flowers appear during winter and spring in Australian conditions, with the main display typically occurring from July to September, depending on local temperatures and seasonal conditions.

Foliage

Large, glossy, deep green evergreen leaves with a leathery texture and finely serrated margins. The dense foliage provides attractive year-round garden structure and creates a beautiful contrast against the vibrant red flowers.

Fruit

Small, rounded woody seed capsules may occasionally develop following flowering, although fruit production is generally limited and not a significant ornamental feature.

Form & Size

Vigorous, upright and densely branched evergreen shrub with a naturally bushy growth habit.

Approximately 2.5–4 m high × 1.5–2.5 m wide when mature, depending on growing conditions and available space.

Growth is relatively strong for a Camellia japonica, and established plants develop into attractive, well-shaped shrubs. Responds well to pruning and can be maintained at a smaller size for flowering hedges and feature planting.

Growing Conditions

• Position: Partial shade to filtered sunlight. Morning sun with protection from harsh afternoon sun is ideal, particularly in warmer Sunshine Coast gardens.

• Soil: Fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained soil enriched with compost and organic matter.

• Water: Regular watering during establishment. Maintain consistent soil moisture during dry periods, particularly while flower buds are developing.

• Frost: Tolerates light to moderate frost once established, although open flowers and developing buds may be damaged by severe frost.

• Wind: Prefers sheltered positions protected from strong, hot or drying winds.

• Climate: Well suited to temperate and mild subtropical gardens, including sheltered Sunshine Coast locations with suitable soil, drainage and moisture conditions.

Uses

Ideal for feature shrubs, flowering hedges, privacy screening, shaded garden beds, formal gardens, Japanese-inspired gardens, woodland-style planting and large decorative pots.

Particularly attractive when planted near entrances, pathways, patios or outdoor entertaining areas where its spectacular fragrant red flowers can be appreciated during winter and spring.

Maintenance

Apply organic mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature and maintain healthy soil conditions.

Fertilise with a suitable camellia and azalea fertiliser during spring, following the manufacturer's recommended application rates.

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain the desired shape and encourage dense branching. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches as required.

Maintain consistent soil moisture during warmer months, particularly for plants grown in containers.

Avoid heavy pruning late in the growing season, as this may remove developing flower buds.

Notes

'Kramer's Supreme' is an American-raised Camellia japonica cultivar developed by August Kramer of Kramer Brothers Nurseries in Upland, California. The original seedling first flowered in 1957 and was formally registered with the American Camellia Society in 1983.

It is particularly admired for its exceptionally large, fragrant red flowers and vigorous, upright growth habit.

The cultivar has received several prestigious camellia awards and was recognised with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Unlike many traditional Camellia japonica varieties, 'Kramer's Supreme' produces noticeably fragrant flowers, making it a particularly desirable addition to ornamental gardens.

For flowering hedges or screening, plants can generally be spaced approximately 1.2–1.5 m apart, depending on the desired density and available growing space.

Companion Plants

Azalea, Gardenia, Hydrangea, Clivia, Ferns, Liriope, Pieris and other Camellia japonica varieties.

Common Name: Kramer's Supreme Camellia / Japanese Camellia Botanical Name: Camellia japonica 'Kramer's Supreme' Family: Theaceae Origin: American horticultural cultivar, Kramer Brothers Nurseries, California, USA; registered in 1983. Camellia japonica is native to East Asia.