he ornamental qualities of Camellia japonica have long been of interest to horticulturists. The Europeangarden plant market has traditionally been characterizedby erect, branched and flowered plants. More recently, a new market linked to increasing urbanization has developed for compact, highly branched and flowered plants to decorate balconies and patios. Two flushes are formed per year in temperate climates, and threeyears are required to obtain a garden plant. In the humid,tropical climate of Reunion Island, at an altitude of 700 m, three to four flushes are formed in a single growing season. Under these conditions and with no pruning, it is possible to produce an upright plant with a height of 48.5 cm and 7.5 branchings, adapted to the traditional garden market. With two prunings and the same growing period, a compact plant with a height of 25.4 and 17.0 branchings can be produced, adapted to the new balcony-patio market. In both cases, floral induction occurs in November when the nighttime temperature is above 15 °C. This research shows that it is possible to generate diversified and innovative forms of Camellia japonica with considerable marketing potential using adapted pruning and under appropriate climatic conditions.
