Until recently, Camellias were the privilege of mild winter regions (Zones 7-10). Thanks to advancements in breeding, 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. Here is a selection of winter hardy camellias that could become the highlight of your fall or spring garden!

Camellia japonica is the predominant species of the genus and counts over 30 000 cultivars in a wide array of flower forms and colors. Its shapely habit, handsome, glossy foliage and fabulous flowers have attracted gardeners for hundreds of years in Japan, China and Korea.

Camellia sasanqua is one of the loveliest fall flowers, graceful in form, tender in color and pleasing in fragrance. As summer fades and the leaves begin to turn, this camellia opens, with aplomb, the camellia season.

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 (inherited from the japonica parent), most of them are extremely vigorous, free-blooming, with attractive, semi-glossy, leathery leaves.

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.

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.

These late season Camellias are in their full glory in August - October in the southern hemisphere; March - May in the northern hemisphere. Adding color and interest to the spring garden, these gorgeous flowering shrubs are highly prized for the beauty of their exquisite blooms, their splendid evergreen foliage and their compact shapely habit.

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.

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.