Alphabetical Plant Listing

Cold Hardy Camellias

Winter hardy Camellias


Cherished for their masses of magnificent flowers and their luxuriant, evergreen foliage, Camellias are, without a doubt, one of the most desirable plants to grow. Blooming for weeks from fall to spring (depending on climate and variety), they reward gardeners with exquisite blooms of striking shapes and color at a time of year when the rest of the garden offers little. 

Until recently, Camellias were the privilege of mild winter regions (USDA zone 7-10). Thanks to advancements in breeding by Dr. William Ackerman of Ashton, Md., a retired U.S.D.A. plant breeder and Dr. Clifford Parks, a botanist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, many new camellia varieties can be successfully grown in Zone 6 where they can endure temperatures as cool as -10F (-23C) if grown in sheltered locations (although blooms may suffer frost and rain damage).

  • The most popular of the cold-hardy, fall blooming species on the market belong to the 'Winter' series developed by Ackerman.
  • The most popular of the cold-hardy, spring blooming species on the market belong to the 'April' series developed by Dr. Clifford Park

Here is a selection of winter hardy camellias that could become the highlight of your fall or spring garden!

Guide Information

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 7 - 8
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Camellia
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Camellia Guides with Camellia

Picture courtesy of / 123RF Stock Photo

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 7 - 8
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Camellia
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Camellia Guides with Camellia

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