Fishtail Camellia, Camellia japonica ‘White Mermaid’

Fishtail Camellia, Camellia japonica ‘White Mermaid’.
Barbara Smith ©2021, Clemson Extension

Camellia japonica ‘White Mermaid,’ commonly referred to as fishtail camellia, matures to an approximately 10-foot by 10-foot shrub. The blooms are medium-sized, bright white singles with prominent gold stamens.

The blooms of Camellia ‘White Mermaid’ are medium-sized, bright white singles with prominent gold stamens.
Barbara Smith ©2021, Clemson Extension

Many camellias are cultivated for their blooms. However, ‘White Mermaid’ is grown for the unusual foliage: dark green glossy evergreen foliage with fish-tail leaf margins.

For information on camellias in South Carolina, see HGIC 1062, Camellia, Japanese Camellias, and HGIC 2053, Camellia Diseases and Insect Pests.