Camellia
Camellia japonica, C. sasanqua and hybrids · Tea family (Theaceae)
| Hardiness zones | 7 to 9 |
|---|---|
| Sun | part shade |
| Water | moderate |
| Life cycle | perennial |
| Frost | Hardy: takes frost |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
About Camellia
Camellias are slow-growing evergreen shrubs that bloom when little else does: sasanquas in late fall and winter, and japonicas from late winter into spring. The flowers range from simple singles to formal doubles in white, pink and red. They are a classic Southern shrub for zones 7-9.
Clemson and NC State list zones 7-9; C. reticulata is frost-sensitive.
When to plant
Timing is counted from your average last spring frost (and first fall frost). Sow & Tell works out the actual dates for your ZIP code.
Plant shallowly, in October-November or March to mid-April, and mulch 2-3 inches (Clemson). Water faithfully while plants establish; dry spells cause bud drop. Shelter from full sun and drying wind.
Soil
Well-drained, slightly acid soil rich in organic matter (Clemson); NC State gives about 5.5-6.5 for japonica. Sasanquas do not tolerate alkaline soil.
Plant shallowly in well-drained, slightly acid soil rich in organic matter (Clemson).
Feeding
- Spring: azalea-camellia fertilizer. Light applications only, following the label and a soil test (Clemson).
Heavy feeding isn't needed; camellias grow slowly. Avoid alkaline soil (NC State).
Harvest
Sasanquas bloom late fall and winter; japonicas bloom about February-April, with some starting in October (NC State). Camellias need little pruning; Clemson says heavy cutting is safe from mid-February to May 1. Cut blooms for floating in a bowl.
Varieties (21)
| Variety | Type | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debbie | Camellia hybrid | ||
| Dr. Clifford Parks | Camellia hybrid | ||
| Shishi-Gashira | Fall-blooming camellia | Low, 4-5 ft; drought tolerant. | |
| Black Tie | Japonica camellia (C. japonica) | ||
| Grace Albritton | Japonica camellia (C. japonica) | ||
| Kramer's Supreme | Japonica camellia (C. japonica) | ||
| Lady Clare | Japonica camellia (C. japonica) | ||
| Magic City | Japonica camellia (C. japonica) | ||
| Morning Glow | Japonica camellia (C. japonica) | ||
| Nuccio's Gem | Japonica camellia (C. japonica) | ||
| Otome | Japonica camellia (C. japonica) | ||
| Pink Perfection | Japonica camellia (C. japonica) | Formal double pink. | |
| White By The Gate | Japonica camellia (C. japonica) | ||
| Cleopatra | Sasanqua camellia (C. sasanqua) | Medium bluish-pink semi-double. | |
| Daydream | Sasanqua camellia (C. sasanqua) | White; upright habit. | |
| Green's Blues | Sasanqua camellia (C. sasanqua) | Dark red double. | |
| Kanjiro | Sasanqua camellia (C. sasanqua) | Hot pink double. | |
| Leslie Ann | Sasanqua camellia (C. sasanqua) | Large white flowers edged pink. | |
| Moon Mist | Sasanqua camellia (C. sasanqua) | Light pink single. | |
| Setsugekka | Sasanqua camellia (C. sasanqua) | Silvery white. | |
| Yuletide | Sasanqua camellia (C. sasanqua) | Bright red single flowers. |
Pests to watch for
Scale insects, Aphids, Twospotted spider mite
Diseases and problems
Camellia petal blight, Dieback and canker, Root rot, Leaf gall, Leaf spot
In the kitchen
Safety: The ASPCA lists camellia as non-toxic. (Tea comes from a related species, Camellia sinensis, not these garden camellias.)
Pets: Not toxic to dogs, cats or horses (ASPCA)
Sources
Photo: Photo: Fir0002, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0). Photo resized for the web.
Planting dates and advice are general guidance; check with your local Cooperative Extension office for your area.