Camellias are evergreen shrubs that bloom from fall through spring, offering beautiful winter flowers when few other plants are in bloom. They prefer slightly acidic, loose, loamy, and well-draining soils. Because their roots are shallow, camellias need consistent watering, especially during drought conditions. Morning sun or dappled sunlight is ideal, and they require protection from hot afternoon sun. In very windy locations, particularly during the winter months, camellias can suffer wind burn. Mature plants shade their own roots, allowing them to tolerate more sun, but they do not like their roots to overheat.
Camellia Species and Cultivars
There are over 250 species of camellias and more than 3,000 cultivars. Many are hardy from USDA zones 6–9 and heat-tolerant in zones 7–8. Depending on the cultivar, camellias grow from 5 to 15 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide. They bloom in fall, winter, and spring, with flowers in shades of white, pink, yellow, and red. Flower forms include single, peony, rose, anemone, double, and semi-double.
The most commonly planted varieties include sasanqua, japonica, and hybrid crosses. Sasanqua camellias bloom in fall with large, fragrant flowers and smaller leaves than other types. Their fragrance attracts pollinators, which is especially helpful given the competition from other fall-flowering plants. Japonica camellias bloom from early winter into spring. They have larger leaves and numerous flowers but typically lack fragrance. Bloom time and flower productivity can be affected by weather, plant stress, and water availability.
Another notable variety is Camellia sinensis, commonly called the tea camellia. Its small white flowers appear from October through December, and its leaves are harvested for tea production. There are also hundreds of hybrid camellias, which combine traits of sasanqua, japonica, and other species, offering a range of flower colors, shapes, and bloom times.
Why Plant Camellias
Camellias are excellent winter-flowering plants for the landscape. While they can be a little finicky, they are well worth the effort. Few things are more rewarding than seeing stunning camellia flowers blooming in the snow, bringing color and life to the garden during the colder months.
