Alphabetical Plant Listing

Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Gorgeous Camellias

Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua, Camellia x williamsii, Camellia reticulata


Queens of the winter flowers, Camellias are attractive evergreen shrubs that are highly prized for the beauty of their exquisite blooms, their splendid evergreen foliage and their compact shapely habit. Blooming prodigiously for weeks from fall to spring (depending on climate and variety), when the rest of the garden offers little, Camellias are ranked as one of the very best flowering shrubs.

A common myth about Camellias is that they are very fussy and difficult to grow. This is not true. Camellias are exceptionally care-free plants if they are given a well-chosen site. Here are some basic rules that need to be followed to enjoy their splendid flowers.

1. Select The Right Site

  • Camellias thrive in temperate climates and are hardy to zones 6-9. Not sure about your growing zone? Check here.
  • Camellias are best grown in consistently moist, slightly acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils, similarly to azaleas and rhododendrons.
  • Test your soil's pH level before planting. A pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal.
  • Camellias thrive in part shade. Protect them from the early morning sun which would scorch the blooms still soaked with dew. Protect them also from the direct hot summer afternoon sun. Older camellia plants can thrive in full sun when they are mature enough to have their roots shaded by a dense canopy of leaves.
  • Provide a site sheltered from cold, dry winds as buds and flowers may be damaged by cold winds.

Guide Information

Hardiness 6 - 9
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Camellia
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Compare All Camellia Guides with Camellia

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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
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Camellia
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Compare All Camellia Guides with Camellia

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