Discover the Finest Camellias for Your Garden Captured in Stunning Photos from Japan, Asia, and Beyond – Getty Images
For centuries, camellias have been adored for their exquisite and graceful blossoms. These evergreen shrubs or small trees with broad leaves bloom in the fall and winter when the rest of the garden may seem quiet. Their opulent blooms come in various shades of pink, red, and pure white, creating a spectacular display. Depending on the type, the flowers can emerge from autumn to early spring, lasting for several weeks.
Camellias are incredibly versatile plants. According to Katie Tamony, chief marketing officer and trend spotter for Monrovia, they are ideal for both containers and landscape settings. Once established, they are low-maintenance and relatively water-efficient, making them a fantastic choice for partially shaded areas.
With over 200 known species recognized by the American Camellia Society, popular varieties for landscaping include Camellia sasanqua, C. japonica, and C. reticulata. Camellias sinensis is a type cultivated for tea production, as noted by Tamony. With the availability of thousands of hybrids, there is certainly a camellia to suit every taste. These shrubs, native to Asia, typically thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10, although there are now cold-hardy varieties that can survive in Zone 6.
Many of the newer hybrid camellias offer improved disease resistance and are easy to grow, making them excellent additions to various garden styles, from tranquil zen gardens to vibrant English gardens. Explore some of the most captivating camellia varieties that you can cultivate in your garden today.
1. ‘Christmas Carol’ Camellia
– Botanical Name: Camellia sasanqua ‘Green J-039’
– Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
– USDA Zones: 7 to 9
– Size: 5 to 7 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide
– Bloom Time: Fall to early winter
– Description: A hybrid of sasanqua and japonica, this camellia boasts a semi-weeping form with striking bell-shaped flowers in red and white, bringing festive charm to the garden through the holiday season.
2. ‘October Magic Orchid’ Camellia
– Botanical Name: Camellia sasanqua ‘Green 94-035’ PP20465
– Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
– USDA Zones: 7 to 9
– Size: 4 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide
– Bloom Time: Fall
– Description: Loaded with blooms sporting white to blush pink petals, this compact camellia variety complements its dark green foliage beautifully, making it a perfect fit for small gardens.
3. ‘Alabama Beauty’ Camell
Here are rewritten descriptions for the camellias:
Southern Living Plant Collection ‘Early Wonder’ Camellia
– Botanical Name: Camellia japonica ‘Early Autumn’
– Light: Full sun to part shade
– Zones: 7 to 9
– Size: 6 to 8 feet tall, 4 to 6 feet wide
– Blooms: Fall
– Description: A camellia with double blooms in a unique lavender-pink color, boasting an upright form suitable for borders or privacy plantings.
Southern Living Plant Collection ‘Nuccio’s Bella Rosa’ Camellia
– Botanical Name: Camellia japonica ‘Nuccio’s Bella Rossa’
– Light: Full to part sun
– Zones: 8 to 10
– Size: 6 to 8 feet tall and wide
– Blooms: Late winter to mid-spring
– Description: An ideal choice for warm climates, this camellia features large, deep red blooms that last a long time, making it perfect for espalier planting.
Monrovia, by Doreen Wynja ‘Just Chill Double Mauve’ Camellia
– Botanical Name: Camellia x ‘FARROWCJH’ USPP 36,117
– Light: Part shade to full sun
– Zones: 6 to 9
– Size: 5 to 8 feet tall, 3 to 5 feet wide
– Blooms: Fall to early winter
– Description: A cold-hardy hybrid camellia with bright pink flowers that add a pop of color to the fall landscape, ideal for fragrant hedges.
Proven Winners ‘Nuccio’s Gem’ Camellia
– Botanical Name: Camellia japonica ‘Nuccio’s Gem’
– Light: Full shade to part sun
– Zones: 8 to 10
– Size: 6 to 8 feet tall and wide
– Blooms: Winter
– Description: This camellia features pure white double blooms against dark green foliage, creating a formal garden feel when planted with classics like boxwoods.
Monrovia, by Doreen Wynja ‘Pink-A-Boo’ Camellia
– Botanical Name: Camellia sasanqua ‘Mondel’ PP #21,687
– Light: Full shade to part sun
– Zones: 7 to 10
– Size: 8 to 10 feet tall and wide
– Blooms: Winter
– Description: A sought-after camellia with large, fragrant pink blooms perfect for holiday displays, adding beauty to centerpieces.
Monrovia, by Doreen Wynja ‘Just Chill Double White’ Camellia
– Botanical Name: Camellia x ‘FARROWCJWD’ USPP 36,304
– Light: Part shade to
Camellia ‘Yuletide’
Botanical Name: Camellia sasanqua ‘Yuletide’
Sunlight: Full shade to part sun
USDA Zones: 7 to 10
Size: 8 to 10 feet tall and wide
Bloom Time: Winter
This beautiful camellia features single red blooms with striking yellow stamens against glossy, dark green foliage, perfect for the holiday season. It’s easy to see why it’s named ‘Yuletide’.
Camellia ‘White Doves’
Botanical Name: Camellia sasanqua ‘White Doves’ (‘Mine-No-Yuki’)
Sunlight: Full shade to part sun
USDA Zones: 7 to 10
Size: 6 to 9 feet tall and wide
Bloom Time: Fall to winter
This semi-double camellia is lovely in hanging baskets or as a foundation planting. The bright white flowers create a beautiful contrast with the dark green leaves.
