Spring Blooming Camellias
Spring Blooming Camellias, How to Grow Camellias, How to Care for Camellias, Landscaping with Camellias
Adding color and interest to the spring garden, Camellias are gorgeous flowering 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 when the rest of the garden offers little, Camellias are ranked as one of the very best flowering shrubs.
Most of the spring blooming camellias are Japanese camellias (Camellia Japonica) and camellia hybrids such as Camellia x williamsii.
- Camellia japonica is the pre-eminent species of the genus and counts over 30 000 cultivars in a wide array of flower forms and colors. The blooms can reach 5 in. across (12 cm) and create a gorgeous floral display from late winter to spring. They range in color from pure white to soft pink to dark red and may be single, semi-double, double, formal double or full peony form. Slow grower, this broadleaved, evergreen shrub features shapely habit, handsome, glossy foliage and fabulous flowers have attracted gardeners for hundreds of years in Asia.
- Camellia x williamsii are the first camellia hybrids. Generally blooming after the Japanese camellias, they result from the cross of Camellia japonica and Camellia saluenensis. Among the most cold-hardy camellias, most of them are extremely vigorous, free-blooming, with attractive, semi-glossy, leathery leaves. Graceful shrubs, they tolerate low light intensity and bloom over a long season, providing a spectacular show. They enjoy a wide range of habits, from dwarf to large and spreading.
Beautiful Mid to Late Season Camellias
Camellia 'Cinnamon Cindy'
Fragrant and vigorous, Camellia 'Cinnamon Cindy' features very pretty clusters of small, peony-form, white flowers, 2 in. wide (5 cm), with tinges of pink on their regular petals. Their center is graced by 22 pure white petaloids (small petals) and the odd stamen. The exquisite flowers are borne in profusion over a fairly long period extending from early to late season. Rich with a very pleasing fragrance, reminiscent of cinnamon, they offer a beautiful contrast against the lush evergreen foliage of glossy, serrately margined, small, ovate-shaped, medium to dark green leaves which interestingly emerge somewhat reddish. This medium-sized evergreen shrub has a slender habit and grows at a slow to medium rate.
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My CollectionHardiness | 7 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid) Fall Winter |
Height | 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Spread | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Camellia 'Scentuous'
Fragrant and luminous, Camellia 'Scentuous' features most attractive, small, semi-double to loose peony-form flowers that are reminiscent of apple blossoms. The 3 in. wide (7 cm) blooms, probably the largest among the Camellia lutchuensis hybrids, exhibit pure white petals with a delicate pink flush on the outside. The exquisite flowers are borne in such abundance as to weigh down the slender branches! They are produced over a fairly long period extending from mid to late season. The luxuriant evergreen foliage of small, glossy, light green leaves is handsome year-round. 'Scentuous' is a Camellia hybrid resulting from the cross of Camellia japonica and Camellia lutchuensis.
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My CollectionHardiness | 7 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Winter |
Height | 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Camellia 'Sweet Emily Kate'
Sweetly fragrant, Camellia 'Sweet Emily Kate' features charming, small, blush pink flowers, 3 in. wide (7 cm), shading to pale pink at their heart. The pleasing peony form of the blooms allows for an elegant mix of raised petals and petaloids (small petals). The exquisite flowers are happily produced over a fairly long period extending from mid to late season (January to May in the Northern Hemisphere; June to October in the Southern Hemisphere). The luxuriant evergreen foliage of glossy, dark green leaves is handsome year-round. 'Sweet Emily Kate' is a Camellia hybrid resulting from the cross of Camellia japonica and Camellia lutchuensis.
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My CollectionHardiness | 7 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Winter |
Height | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Camellia japonica 'Annie Wylam'
Vigorous, award-winning Camellia japonica 'Annie Wylam' features medium, 3-4 in. wide (7-10 cm), peony to rose-form flowers with wavy, bright pink petals shading to pale pink or even white in the center. The elegant flowers, rich or many slender petaloids (small petals), contrast nicely against the luxuriant, rich green, evergreen foliage. The blooms are produced over several months in early to late season, in such profusion that this camellia becomes one of the glories of the spring garden when in full bloom. Out of bloom, this camellia remains particularly handsome and provides the perfect foil for foundation plantings and perennial borders.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 7 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid) Fall Winter |
Height | 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Spread | 6' - 7' (180cm - 210cm) |
Camellia japonica 'April Remembered'
Vigorous and maybe one of the hardiest, Camellia japonica 'April Remembered' is a lovely Japanese camellia with masses of large, 4.5 in. wide (11 cm), semi-double flowers, with pink petals darkening towards the edge from a pale and delicate creamy shade and surrounding a center of golden-yellow stamens. The blooms are produced over a fairly long period from early to late season (October - May in the Northern Hemisphere; March - October in the Southern Hemisphere). They contrast beautifully with the evergreen foliage of glossy dark green leaves.
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My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 10 |
---|---|
Exposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Spread | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Camellia japonica 'April Rose'
Fragrant and cold tolerant, Camellia 'April Rose' is an eye-catching Japanese camellia with masses of deep rose-red, rose form double flowers, 3-4 in. wide (7-10 cm) in late season (March - May in the Northern Hemisphere; August - October in the Southern Hemisphere). They contrast beautifully with the evergreen foliage of elliptic, serrated, glossy dark green leaves (to 3 in. long). Featuring a relatively slow growth and well-shaped form, this charming Camellia hybrid belongs to the April Series introduced by Dr. Clifford Parks. It is cold tolerant and can be successfully grown in regions as cold as USDA Zone 6b.
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My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 5' - 8' (150cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm) |
Camellia japonica 'Ballet Dancer'
Compact and vigorous, award-winning Camellia japonica 'Ballet Dancer' features great-looking, medium-sized flowers of full peony form, 3-4 in. wide (7-10 cm), with mixed petals and petaloids (small petals). The creamy-pink petals gradually turn brilliant coral at their edge, creating a lovely display. The outer guard petals are quite wide and taper to a point. The exquisite flowers are happily produced in mid-season (January to March in the Northern Hemisphere; June to August in the Southern Hemisphere). Bushy, the luxuriant evergreen foliage of glossy, dark green leaves is handsome year-round. This medium-sized evergreen shrub has an upright, compact habit.
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My CollectionHardiness | 7 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early) Winter |
Height | 6' - 12' (180cm - 3.6m) |
Spread | 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m) |
Camellia japonica 'Carter's Sunburnt'
Prized for its long-lasting season, award-winning Camellia japonica 'Carter's Sunburnt' is a remarkable Japanese camellia boasting very large, semi-double to loose peony-form flowers, 5.5 in. wide (14 cm), with wavy, soft pink petals interestingly splashed with flecks and stripes of cerise. The eye-catching flowers are happily produced over a fairly long period extending from early to late season, explaining the success of this Japanese camellia in the hearts of gardeners. They contrast beautifully with the evergreen foliage of large, glossy medium green leaves.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 7 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid) Fall Winter |
Height | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Camellia japonica 'Drama Girl'
Amazingly beautiful and eye-catching, award-winning Camellia japonica 'Drama Girl' features one of the largest semi-double blossoms, up to 6.5 in. wide (17 cm). The deep salmon-rose petals are often streaked with lighter pink and open to reveal a dazzling array of golden stamens. The flowers are so heavy that regular pruning of the long lateral branches is required to encourage stronger and more compact growth. Long-lasting, they are produced over several months in the mid to late season (January - May in the Northern Hemisphere; June - October in the Southern Hemisphere), in such profusion that this camellia becomes one of the glories of the garden when in full bloom. The lustrous foliage of glossy dark green leaves is evergreen and very ornamental year-round.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 7 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Winter |
Height | 4' - 10' (120cm - 3m) |
Spread | 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m) |
Camellia japonica 'Hagoromo'
Amazingly beautiful and compact, award-winning Camellia japonica 'Hagoromo' features medium-sized, semi-double blossoms, up to 4 in. wide (10 cm), with pale, blush pink petals that are narrow and elegantly recurving. The flowers are abundantly produced over several months from mid to late season (January to May in the Northern Hemisphere; June to October in the Southern Hemisphere), in such profusion that this camellia becomes one of the glories of the garden when in full bloom. Forming a neat, tidy bush, the lustrous foliage of glossy, narrow, twisted, dark green leaves is evergreen and very ornamental year round. A moderate grower, this medium-sized evergreen shrub has a slender habit
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 7 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Winter |
Height | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
Camellia japonica 'Korean Fire'
Extremely hardy, award-winning Camellia japonica 'Korean Fire' is a lovely spring-blooming Japanese camellia with masses of single, funnel-shaped, deep red flowers and a conspicuous center of golden-yellow stamens. The blooms are produced over a fairly long period in the late season (March-May in the Northern Hemisphere; August - October in the Southern Hemisphere). They contrast beautifully with the evergreen foliage of glossy dark green leaves. This glorious camellia can be successfully grown in regions as cold as USDA Zone 6B.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 10' - 15' (3m - 4.5m) |
Spread | 5' - 8' (150cm - 240cm) |
Camellia japonica 'Lady Campbell'
Compact and vigorous, Camellia 'Lady Campbell' is an eye-catching Japanese camellia with masses of medium-sized, bright red, rose-form flowers, 3-4 in. wide (7-10 cm) in late season. The blooms contrast beautifully with the evergreen foliage of oval, glossy, dark green leaves. This shrub has an upright, bushy form
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 7 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 6' - 7' (180cm - 210cm) |
Spread | 6' - 7' (180cm - 210cm) |
Camellia japonica 'Lavinia Maggi'
Vigorous and considered outstanding, award-winning Camellia japonica 'Lavinia Maggi' features the most interesting large, formal double blossoms, 5 in. wide (12 cm). Opening from large, round fat buds, the imbricated flowers are pure white at their base with attractive cerise-pink stripes. The blooms are produced over several months in the mid to late season (January - May in the Northern Hemisphere; June - October in the Southern Hemisphere), in such profusion that this camellia becomes one of the glories of the garden when in full bloom. The foliage of glossy, pointy, dark green leaves is evergreen. This medium-sized evergreen shrub has an upright habit
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 7 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Winter |
Height | 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Spread | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Camellia japonica 'Pink Perfection'
One of the most popular camellias in Victorian days, Camellia japonica 'Pink Perfection' dates to the late 18th century and features extraordinarily beautiful, formal double, medium-sized flowers. Perfectly formed, their rows are packed with luminous overlapping petals of the palest shell pink. The flowers are happily produced over a fairly long period extending from mid to late season (January to May in the Northern Hemisphere; June to October in the Southern Hemisphere). Vigorous, this camellia forms an attractive bush year-round, with its lustrous foliage of glossy, evergreen, dark green leaves. This flowering shrub has an upright, bushy habit
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 7 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Winter |
Height | 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Spread | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Camellia x williamsii 'E.G. Waterhouse'
Award-winning Camellia x williamsii 'E.G. Waterhouse' features eye-catching, fuchsia-pink flowers, 4 in. wide (10 cm), of formal double form with many rows of imbricated petals. The pretty blooms are profusely produced in the mid to late season (January to May in the Northern Hemisphere; June to October in the Southern Hemisphere). Vigorous, this camellia forms a narrow, almost columnar shrub and has a luxuriant evergreen foliage of dark green leaves along its ascending, gray-barked branches.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 7 - 8 |
---|---|
Exposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Winter |
Height | 8' - 15' (240cm - 4.5m) |
Spread | 6' - 15' (180cm - 4.5m) |
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Best Companion Plants for Camellias
While extraordinarily good-looking on their own, Camellias however look most charming when planted with companion plants. Well-behaved, they make perfect partners with other plants and help create strikingly beautiful combinations in the garden.
Fall Blooming Camellias
As summer fades and the leaves begin to turn, the fall-blooming camellias open the camellia season, adding charm and color in the garden, at a time of the year when most plants are going to bed for the winter. These early season camellias boast some of the loveliest flowers in March - June in the southern hemisphere; in October - January in the northern hemisphere.
Long Blooming Camellias
Blooming prodigiously for weeks, some camellia varieties enjoy an extraordinarily long blooming season extending from November to April in the northern hemisphere or from April to September in the southern hemisphere.
Most Fragrant Camellias
Here is a selection of fragrant camellias that could become the highlight of your fall, winter or spring garden!
Which Camellia is Right for my Garden?
There are camellia varieties for almost any garden situation, in a wide range of flower shapes and colors, sizes, growth habit and blooming seasons.
Winter Blooming Camellias
What a treat to find evergreen shrubs that flower during the dull days of winter. Queens of the winter flowers, mid-season Camellias provide a splendid floral show in June - August in the southern hemisphere; January - March in the northern hemisphere. Winters may be long and cold, but your garden can allay that dreariness and be transformed into a place of natural beauty with visually arresting textures or colors. While flowers are usually associated with spring or summer, they can also contribute to the beauty of the winter garden. Adapted to endure harsh winter conditions, they bring the garden to life with their bright, showy colors and attract the eye.
Growing Camellias
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.
- Part shade lovers, camellias are best grown in consistently moist, acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils, similarly to azaleas and rhododendrons. Apply a root mulch (leaves or shredded bark) and provide a site sheltered from cold, dry winds as buds and flowers may be damaged by cold winds. Protect from early morning sun and from 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.
- Pruning is rarely needed as most plants develop an attractive shape without pruning. If deemed necessary, pruning should be done just after blooming to avoid removing next year’s flower buds.
- Pick up blooms that drop to the ground to minimize petal blight (rust spots on the flowers).
- Spring planting, rather than fall, is recommended for northern areas because it gives the plant more time to get established before hard freezes. Watering regularly and deeply is vital in the first summer after planting.
- Fertilizing is not necessary, but a light application in springtime will increase growth. Excessive or late feeding can lead to bud drop. Some flower bud dropping may be a natural phenomenon as many camellias set more buds than can be opened.
- Camellias are susceptible to some viruses and fungal diseases including leaf spots, anthracnose, black mold, petal blight, canker and root rot. Watch also for aphids, planthoppers and spider mites.
Landscaping with Camellias
- Highly ornamental, camellias look fabulous in mixed shrub borders where they display their dramatic winter blooms. They still add beauty to the landscape, even when they are not in bloom. Their handsome evergreen foliage always creates a lovely backdrop for other shrubs and flowers. This helps in presenting a continuously changing scenery during the year. As each new season approaches, new blooms emerge, such as masses of brilliant pink tulips in a pale blue cloud of forget-me-nots for a fresh, new eye-pleasing display.
- Plant camellias near other acid-loving plants, such as azalea and rhododendron. Plant at least 5 ft. (150 cm) away from other plants to allow good air circulation and prevent competition for water while becoming established.
- Camellias are also well-suited flowering shrub for woodland gardens
- Camellias can be used to create screens and hedges. Plant your camellias 3 ft. apart (90 cm) when using them as hedges.
- Perfect as specimen plants, many Camellia sasanqua are excellent choices for espaliers.
- Camellias make lovely container-grown plants and this is a particularly great method if your garden soil is too alkaline for camellias.
Your Camellia Doesn't Bloom or Losses Flower Buds?
These common problems can be easily avoided by providing good growing conditions:
- Water during dry spells in late summer when flower buds are forming
- Mulch with an 3-4in (7-10 cm) layer of chipped bark or leaf mould in late winter or early spring to conserve water around the roots
- Move container-grown camellias out from under the eaves of the house in late summer or fall so that they catch the rainfall
- Do not feed camellias later than the end of July, as excessive or late feeding can lead to bud drop Some natural bud drop may occur where too many buds have formed, particularly with double-flowered cultivars. This should not be excessive and is nothing to worry about
- Protect tender cultivars with a double layer of horticultural fleece in winter, as low temperatures can lead to bud drop
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 | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders, Walls and Fences |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |
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 | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders, Walls and Fences |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |
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