When temperatures drop, most plants wait out the chilly months, but camellias put on a show. Discover how to have these flowers thriving in your yard.
The Essential Camellia Bush Growing Guide
Nothing says southern charm like the glossy foliage of camellias studded with showy blooms in the cooler months drawing early bees and hummingbirds. Camellias have a reputation for being finicky, but if your location is right, nothing could be easier to grow than these glorious stunners.
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Zones and Climate Requirements
In the right environment, camellias are a snap to grow. “Parts of the country naturally provide the conditions that camellias love,” says Megan McConnell, horticulturist and plant information director at Monrovia. “If you live in the right place, once your camellia is established, it needs almost no care. They thrive in the Southeast and along the West Coast, from San Diego to Vancouver, British Columbia.”
Areas with hot, dry conditions aren’t ideal for camellias, nor are those with very cold winters. Generally these plants thrive in Zones 7 to 9, where winters are mild. Temperatures below 10 degrees will damage the buds, but Megan has good news for those in cooler areas: “Monrovia’s Ice Angels series has definitely been a game changer for many people in the country,” she says. “They’re hardy down to Zone 6! It really opens up where camellias can be grown.”
Camellias Need Acidic Soil
Mild winters aren’t the only requirement. Camellias also need acidic soil; alkaline conditions cause the leaves to turn yellow. “If your soil is heavily alkaline, a camellia probably isn’t the plant for you,” Megan says. “Neutral soil can be adjusted with amendments. But don’t guess! A local extension office can help you test your soil pH and guide you to the correct adjustments.”
Shade and Shelter From the Elements
“Camellias like things mild,” Megan says. “Don’t plant them in a location where they will be exposed to either harsh, hot sun or cold winter winds.” Shade is key—they flower best when buds are protected from direct sun. Their ideal spots are sheltered areas under tall, shady trees, or on the south or east side of a house protected from winds.
Types of Camellias to Grow
“There are two different commonly grown types of camellias, Camellia japonica and C. sasanqua,” Megan says. “Japonicas bloom late winter to spring, depending on your weather and the variety. They have bigger flowers and leaves.
Sasanquas bloom from fall into winter. They usually have smaller flowers but can take more heat and sun.”
There are literally thousands of camellia cultivars to choose from, in a variety of pink, white and red hues. Blooms range from simple single-petal forms to multi-petaled anemone and peony types. A mix of species and varieties can provide month after month of blooms when planted together.
Best in Show Cultivars
Take your pick of floral traits with top-performing camellias in each category.
- Best Heat Tolerance: Yuletide, White Doves, Kanjiro
- Best Fragrance: Kramer’s Supreme, Pink-A-Boo
- Double Flowers: Pearl Maxwell, Swan Lake, Nuccio’s Bella Rossa
- Multicolored Blooms: Carter’s Sunburst, Extravaganza
Essential Camellia Care Tips
Camellias can be planted while blooming—fall or winter for sasanquas and late winter or spring for japonicas. In colder zones, plant in the fall to give camellias time to establish before cooler weather sets in. “The first year is crucial for any plant,” Megan says. “Water deeply and regularly in the first year to promote an extensive root system. You can taper off after that, but keep an eye on them during extended summer dry spells.”
She also recommends a protective mulch layer, refreshed annually. Choose your pruning time carefully. Camellias set their buds in late summer and fall, so if you prune during this season, you’ll cut off next year’s blooms. The best time to trim camellias is right after they flower each year.
Growing Camellias in Containers
If your climate is right but your soil isn’t, potted camellias might be the answer. Plan to repot every two to three years using a mix formulated for camellias or azaleas.
In cold winter zones, you can try growing camellias in containers instead, but Megan cautions that overwintering can be a bit tricky: “They do need some cold temperatures, so you can’t just bring them into your heated home. Plus, they still need bright filtered light all winter. An enclosed, unheated area with bright windows is ideal.”
Watering Needs
“My camellia hedge gets lots of buds, but most never open and fall off. How do I fix this?” asks Birds & Blooms reader David Fairchild.
Horticultural expert Melinda Myers says, “Make sure your camellia bush receives consistent and sufficient moisture, as a lack of water can result in bud drop. But be careful not to overwater, which can lead to root rot and decline. In addition, camellias often produce more flower buds than the plant can support.
Reduce the risk of bud drop by removing the flower buds along the branch, leaving just one large bud at the tip of each stem. Some camellia enthusiasts apply gibberellic acid, a plant growth hormone, to the bud scar next to the remaining bud to improve flowering. The American Camellia Society’s website, americancamellias.com, has additional resources on both methods.”
Camellias prove that being a little different can be a good thing. By going against the grain of the typical garden schedule, these beauties give those in the ideal environment some blooms to look forward to in cooler months.
For more information, visit the website of the International Camellia Society.
