Types of Camellias

Camellias are outstanding plants for any garden. Not only are they evergreen, but they also bloom in the winter when many other plants are dormant. Use camellias as accent plants, as background plants or as a hedge. Plant camellias in partial shade to full shade in well drained acidic (pH 6.0 to 6.5) soil.

Hardy Camellias

The most common camellia in the home landscape is the Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica). It is also the hardiest camellia. The dense upright shrubs bloom from late winter to early spring, depending on the variety, with flowers of red, pink or white. Sasanqua Camellias (Camellia sasanqua) are almost as hardy as Japanese Camellias. They can tolerate more sun than Japanese Camellias. They bloom in October and November. Sasanqua Camellias may have an upright form or a spreading form.

Tender Camellias

Yennan Camellias (Camellia reticulata) need winter protection, except in Zones 9 and 10. They are good container plants and can be trained on espaliers. Large flowers appear in the spring. Yennan Camellias produce excellent hybrids when bred with other camellias.

Other Camellias

Tea-oil Camellias (Camellia oleifera) have small white flowers in fall and winter. The seeds are pressed to produce tea-oil for commercial use. Tea Camellias (Camellia sinensis) also bloom in fall with white flowers. The leaves and buds are used to make green and black teas.