Plant Development Services debuts new camellia

Plant Development Services has introduced Early Surprise Camellia, a new hybrid that delivers abundant blooms from late summer through fall.

"Camellias are a landscape staple in the United States, but their traditional blooming period falls during the colder months of the year, when people aren’t spending as much time in their gardens," said Kip McConnell, vice president of Business Development at Plant Development Services. "That’s what makes Early Surprise a game-changer. Growers and retailers can now bring summer color to the camellia bench, taking camellias from an evergreen backdrop to a standout of the summer landscape."

Early Surprise demonstrates a vigorous growth rate, a benefit for production and finished plant performance. Early Surprise matures to 5 to 6 feet high by 3 to 4 feet wide and thrives in USDA Zones 7 to 9 in full sun to partial shade.

Early Surprise is the latest introduction in the "Early" camellia series, with additional colors currently under development. It will be available to the trade in 2027, followed by consumer availability through the Southern Living and Sunset Plant Collections in 2028.

For more information, visit plantdevelopment.com/introductions.