[2] Camellia japonica 'Prince Frederick William' is a hardy, vigorous and erect shrub, with ovate, light green foliage.

The petals start cupped tightly around the bud and then open to a nearly flat formal double[4] bloom.

[5] In 1852 Silas Sheather leased land adjoining the Parramatta River on what was originally part of the 850 acres (3.4 km2) of Elizabeth Farm,[6] where he set up a nursery where he grew vegetables and fruits, and then later specializing in camellias.

[3] Camellia japonica and its cultivars prefer slightly acidic soils pH 6–7 and are suitable for growing in hardiness zones 6–9.

In their native habitat, camellias are understorey plants, and in temperate climates (e.g. Sydney), this cultivar requires semi-shade and no direct sun before 12 noon on a winter's day when flowering, as the lighter colored blooms can suffer from dew burn on the blossoms from being exposed to direct morning sunlight.

[13] It is claimed that a teaspoon of Epsom salts in five litres of water spread around the bush is beneficial in preventing "balling".