Camellia
Uses:
- Shade Gardens
- Edging Plant
- Container Plant
Features:
- Evergreen Foliage
- Deer Resistant
- Prolific Bloomers
Sunlight:
- Full Shade to Partial Shade
- Less Than 4 Hours of Direct Sun
Growing Zones:
- 6-10
- What is My Zone?
Camellia are evergreen bushes that blooms from winter to early spring. The flowering shrubs are perfect for shady areas and provide year round interest!
Why Camellias Online
Camellias are known as the Queen of Winter flowers as they bloom when almost all other flowers have stopped blooming. They can bloom from October through to May, depending on the variety and your growing zone. They are slow growing shrubs, taking up to 3 years to become fully established in your landscape, but are long lived shrubs, with some specimens living up to 100 years old and older, especially in their native habitats. Camellias are flowering evergreen shrubs in the Theaceae family. With around 300 different species and over 3,000 hybrids, these plants are found all over eastern and southern Asia, the Himalayas, Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Camellias have glossy evergreen leaves, typically oval with a point, and some have finely serrated edges. There are several varieties of Camellia, and then hundreds if not thousands of hybrids that have been developed over the years by horticulturists and even backyard gardeners. The basic varieties are C. sasanqua, C. japonica, C. reticulata, C. vernalis, C. heimalis and C. sinensis. Sasanquas and Japonicas remain gardeners’ favorites, but Reticulata is gaining in popularity as collectors look for more varieties to add to their collections. Camellia blooms come in several different forms and are categorized as: single, semi-double, anemone, formal double, rose formal double and full peony. Bloom colors can vary from white, blush pink, coral, dark pink, fuchsia, purple, red, and yellow, and can be solid colored, variegated, blotched, and striped. Bloom time varies by variety, but in general there are early blooming varieties which typically bloom from October through January, mid season varieties which bloom from January to March, late season varieties which bloom from March to May and early to late season varieties which bloom the longest from November through to May in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Best Way to Use Camellias
Camellias are distinguished by their evergreen foliage and abundant flowers during late fall, winter, or early spring, offering color when many other plants are dormant. Their adaptability to shade and ability to thrive in containers make them a valuable addition to gardens with limited sunlight or space. These shrubs may be slow-growing, but they reach impressive heights over time. Many gardeners favor them for their extended bloom period and dependable performance once established.
In a landscape setting, plant camellias as accents, informal hedges, or foundation anchors where their flowers can contrast with other evergreens. Their compact growth and tolerance for container planting allows for placement on patios or balconies. When in bloom, camellias act as focal points, and their evergreen leaves contribute structure and color throughout the year. Consider mixing early- and late-blooming varieties to enjoy ongoing color.
Often drought resistant once established, especially if they are allowed to develop a tap root from the beginning, camellias are also deer resistant, making woodland edge plantings a possibility. The most favored location for a camellia to thrive in is under an evergreen tree canopy where the soil is typically acidic. Camellias need a slightly acidic soil for proper nutrient take up. The most famous camellia of all is the C. sinensis from which we derive white, green and black tea. It is grown primarily for tea production as its flowers are small and not as showy as its cousins.
Long bloom time, from 3 to 6 months
White, pink, red, coral, purple and yellow flowers
Full or partial shade locations
Mature size up to 25 feet tall and 12 feet wide
Hardy from Zones 6 to 11
Landscaping Tip: Camellias can solve the problem of what to plant in that deeply shaded area of your landscape as well as live happily in a partially shaded area. They make delightful container plants for gardeners outside of the hardiness zone, especially when they can be wintered in an unheated garage.
About Camellia
Genus
Species
Family
Camellia
Various (e.g., Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua, Camellia sinensis)
Theaceae
Common Names:
Tea Plant, Japanese Camellia, Common Camellia
Native To:
Eastern and Southern Asia (China, Japan, Korea)
Plant Type:
Bushes
Foliage Type:
Evergreen
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
7 to 9
Flower Color:
White, Pink, Red, Yellow (rare), Bi-color
Flower Bloom Time:
Late Fall to Early Spring (varies by species)
Growth Habit:
Dense, Rounded, Upright
Attracts:
Pollinators (e.g., bees), Butterflies
Tolerates:
Partial Shade, Light Frost (depending on species)
Resists:
Deer
How To Use Camellia In The Garden
Camellias are distinguished by their evergreen foliage and abundant flowers during late fall, winter, or early spring, offering color when many other plants are dormant. Their adaptability to shade and ability to thrive in containers make them a valuable addition to gardens with limited sunlight or space. These shrubs may be slow-growing, but they reach impressive heights over time. Many gardeners favor them for their extended bloom period and dependable performance once established.
In a landscape setting, plant camellias as accents, informal hedges, or foundation anchors where their flowers can contrast with other evergreens. Their compact growth and tolerance for container planting allows for placement on patios or balconies. When in bloom, camellias act as focal points, and their evergreen leaves contribute structure and color throughout the year. Consider mixing early- and late-blooming varieties to enjoy ongoing color.
Camellia Care
Camellias require well-draining, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. They prefer partial shade, with protection from intense afternoon sun. Regular watering is essential, especially during bud development in mid-summer; however, avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Fertilize with an acid-forming fertilizer three times a year—in early March, early May, and early July—to support healthy growth and flowering.
After blooming, light pruning helps maintain an attractive shape and encourages air circulation. In colder regions, applying mulch in winter moderates soil temperatures and conserves moisture. For container-grown camellias, select well-drained, frost-proof pots and repot every two to three years into larger containers with fresh, acidic soil. Ensure containers are protected against extreme cold to safeguard the plant's health.
Learn More About Camellia
Camellia Companion Plants
Camellias can be planted as a specimen shrub, highlighting the glossy evergreen foliage and bright fall, winter or spring flowers, or they can be planted with other acid loving, shade loving shrubs like azaleas and rhododendrons.
