Camellias are elegant, evergreen shrubs known for their glossy green leaves and beautiful rose-like blooms. They are especially valued for flowering in late fall, winter, or early spring when most gardens are quiet.
Camellias grow best in mild climates with partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. From compact hedge varieties to large statement shrubs, these are the most popular camellias to grow in your backyard.
1. Camellia Japonica
Camellia japonica is the most well-known camellia species, prized for its large, formal, rose-like blooms. Flowers come in shades of pink, red, white, and variegated patterns and usually bloom from late winter to early spring. This variety grows as an evergreen shrub and prefers partial shade, protection from harsh sun, and well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
2. Camellia Sasanqua
Camellia sasanqua blooms earlier than most camellias, often flowering in fall and early winter. It has smaller, more open blooms and a lighter, airier growth habit. This variety tolerates more sun than japonica types and is excellent for hedges, screens, and espaliered plantings.
3. Camellia Sinensis (Tea Plant)
Camellia sinensis is the plant used to make green, black, and white tea. It produces small white flowers and glossy evergreen leaves. This variety grows well in mild climates, prefers partial shade, and can be grown as a shrub or small hedge while offering the bonus of harvestable leaves.
4. Camellia Reticulata
Camellia reticulata is known for its very large, showy blooms and vigorous growth. The flowers are often bold pink or red and bloom in late winter to spring. This variety grows larger than many other camellias and works best as a statement plant in spacious gardens.
5. Debutante Camellia
Debutante camellias produce soft pink, peony-style double blooms that are full and elegant. They bloom in late winter to early spring and have a dense, upright growth habit. This variety is popular for foundation plantings and sheltered garden areas.
6. Nuccio’s Gem Camellia
Nuccio’s Gem camellias produce elegant, pure white, formal double blooms with a polished look. They bloom in late winter to early spring and stand out beautifully against dark green foliage. This variety grows as a dense evergreen shrub and prefers partial shade and protection from strong afternoon sun.
7. Pink Perfection Camellia
Pink Perfection camellias feature large, soft pink blooms with a classic rose form. They bloom from winter into early spring and have a symmetrical, upright growth habit. This variety is popular for adding gentle color to foundation plantings and garden borders.
8. Professor Sargent Camellia
Professor Sargent camellias are known for their rich red, semi-double flowers with bright yellow stamens. They bloom in late winter and early spring and provide strong color contrast in the garden. This variety grows into a large shrub and works well as a focal point.
9. April Tryst Camellia
April Tryst camellias are cold-hardy hybrids that bloom later than many traditional camellias. They produce pink blooms with a slightly ruffled appearance. This variety is a good choice for gardeners in cooler climates looking to enjoy camellias in spring.
10. Yuletide Camellia
Yuletide camellias are popular for their bright red flowers and golden yellow centers. They bloom in late fall to early winter, adding color during the holiday season. This variety has a more open growth habit and tolerates more sun than many other camellias.
11. Shishi Gashira Camellia
Shishi Gashira camellias are compact shrubs with deep pink, semi-double blooms. They flower in late fall and early winter and have a dense, spreading growth habit. This variety tolerates more sun than many camellias and is excellent for low hedges and foundation plantings.
12. Kanjiro Camellia
Kanjiro camellias produce large, rosy-pink blooms with lightly ruffled petals. They bloom in late fall and early winter and have a more vigorous growth habit. This variety is often used for hedges or screens due to its size and fullness.
13. Spring’s Promise Camellia
Spring’s Promise camellias are cold-hardy hybrids that bloom in late winter to early spring. They produce soft pink flowers and are bred to handle cooler temperatures. This variety is ideal for gardeners in marginal camellia-growing zones.
14. Kramer’s Supreme Camellia
Kramer’s Supreme camellias feature bold, deep red, formal double blooms. They bloom in mid to late winter and provide striking color against evergreen foliage. This variety grows into a medium to large shrub and works well as a focal plant.
15. Elegans Camellia
Elegans camellias are known for their anemone-style blooms with layered petals and a textured center. They bloom in late winter and early spring and offer a refined, ornamental look. This variety prefers partial shade and sheltered garden locations.
