Mature Size: 12″ H x 18″ W, mounding

Soil Type: Moist with good drainage

Light: Full to Part Sun

Bloom Time: July-Sept

Flower Color: Pure White

Features: Deer Resistant. Attracts Pollinators.

Kinlochruel Heather is has pure white, double blossoms in late summer. This variety was discovered in Scotland and is has won the Award of Garden Merit. The evergreen foliage turns bronzes in winter. Cold hardy to -20F with wind protection.

Calluna vulgaris, commonly called Scotch Heather or Summer Heather is an evergreen shrub that grows in a small mound. They can be pruned in the fall to keep their shape tidier.

Calluna Heather plants will grow and bloom best in full sun, but can also tolerate part shade. Full sun will produce much brighter winter foliage coloring. Good soil drainage is essential with heather to prevent root disease. It is also crucial that they are watered regularly in the summer until they are well established.

Long-blooming Camellia plants are loved by gardeners for good reason. Their love of slightly acidic soil makes them perfect for our area.

The Flowers

The blooms on Camellia bushes range from simple, single petaled flowers, to layered, many-petaled blooms. Their overlapping petal pattern can be completely mesmerizing. The flowers are typically red, pink or white. Bloom times depend on species.

Camellia japonica – Spring Camellia

Most of the Camellias that Youngs Garden carries are this type. They bloom between January and April. The flowers are larger and more complex, but not fragrant. The leaves on the plant are large and glossy.

Camellia sasanqua – Winter Camellia

Sasanquas bloom from November to February. Their flowers are small and single or semi-double form, but also have a sweet fragrance. The leaves on the plant are a matte green.

The Plant

Camellias have glossy, dark green leaves, so even when they aren’t covered in flowers they are a beautiful addition to a yard. Their large leaves and growth habit make them a nice hedge plant to create a visual screen. The size of the plants can vary quite a bit between varieties, but is generally between 6 and 12 ft tall and 4 to 6 ft wide.

The Conditions

These shrubs are going to prefer being planted in slightly acidic soil (which is what we have on this side of the Cascade Mountains). Partial shade or morning sun is best. They don’t love competing for nutrients, so give them some space from other large shrubs or trees. To get the best flower bud development, keep the soil moist.

The Problems

Insects like aphids, mealy bugs and scale are very common on Camellias. You will know that your plants need to be treated for insects if you notice black, sticky, sooty stuff on the new growth or flower buds.

Favorite Camellias

Camellia japonica ‘April Kiss’ April Kiss Camellia is the earliest blooming in the “April” series. It produces flowers abundantly on upright growth. More cold hardy that most varieties. Size: 8 ft high x 5 ft wide Bloom time: January – February (Mid winter to late winter) Flowers: Deep rose pink, formal double, small (2.5-3″) blooms Water: Keep soil evenly moist, but no standing water. Sun: Best in part sun (morning sun with afternoon shade) USDA Cold Hardiness Zones: 6

Camellia japonica ‘April Tryst’ April Tryst Camellia has very showy, fragrant flowers with a long bloom season. The cold tolerant plant is vigorous and grows quickly. Size: 8 ft high x 5 ft wide Bloom time: February – March (Late winter to early spring) Flowers: Red with white stripes, anemone form, medium (3-4″) blooms Water: Keep soil evenly moist, but no standing water. Sun: Best in part sun (morning sun with afternoon shade) USDA Cold Hardiness Zones: 6

Camellia japonica ‘Early Autumn’ Early Wonder® Early Autumn or Early Wonder Camellia blooms earlier than most. It flowers profusely with stunning, concentric blooms in the fall and early winter. Size: 6-8 ft high x 4-6 ft wide Bloom time: November – February (Late fall to late winter) Flowers: Rose pink, formal double Water: Keep soil evenly moist, but no standing water. Sun: Best in part sun (morning sun with afternoon shade) USDA Cold Hardiness Zones: 7

Camellia japonica ‘In the Pink’ In the Pink is a gorgeous camellia. Its wavy pink petals contrast well against the glossy, dark green leaves. Size: 10 ft high x 7 ft wide Bloom time: March – April (Early spring to mid spring) Flowers: Rose-pink, rose-form to formal double, medium (3-4″) blooms Water: Keep soil evenly moist, but no standing water. Sun: Best in part sun (morning sun with afternoon shade) USDA Cold Hardiness Zones: 7

Camellia x williamsii ‘Jury’s Yellow’ Jury’s Yellow Camellia is a unique plant. It’s peony-like flowers are white with a yellow glow in the center. Blooms can be so abundant that the leaves are completely hidden on this bush. Size: 8-12 ft high x 5-7 ft wide Bloom time: January – February (Late winter to early spring) Flowers: White with yellow at center, peony form, medium (3-4″) blooms Water: Keep soil evenly moist, but no standing water. Sun: Best in part sun (morning sun with afternoon shade) USDA Cold Hardiness Zones: 7

Camellia japonica ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ Kramer’s Supreme Camellia is an award winning heirloom variety. Its huge, fragrant flowers add tons of color to a garden. The plant is vigorous with an upright, compact habit. Size: 8-10 ft high x 6-8 ft wide Bloom time: February – March (Late winter to early spring) Flowers: Bright red, full peony form, large (4-5″) blooms Water: Keep soil evenly moist, but no standing water. Sun: Best in part sun (morning sun with afternoon shade) USDA Cold Hardiness Zones: 7

Camellia japonica ‘Marie Bracey’ Marie Bracey Camellia is long blooming with bright pink flowers. The plant has a moderate growth rate. Size: 7 ft high x 6 ft wide Bloom time: February – March (Late winter to early spring) Flowers: Coral pink, semi-double to peony form, large to very large (4-6″) blooms Water: Keep soil evenly moist, but no standing water. Sun: Best in part sun (morning sun with afternoon shade) USDA Cold Hardiness Zones: 7

Camellia japonica ‘Nuccio’s Pearl’ Nuccio’s Pearl Camellia is notable for its perfectly concentric petals that fade from pink on the edges to white at the center. It is one of the most exquisite flowers. Size: 6-8 ft high x 5-6 ft wide Bloom time: March – April (Early spring to mid spring) Flowers: Pink and white picotee, formal double, large (4-5″) blooms Water: Keep soil evenly moist, but no standing water. Sun: Best in part sun (morning sun with afternoon shade) USDA Cold Hardiness Zones: 7

Camellia japonica ‘Spellbound’ Spellbound Camellia’s bright pink flowers bloom have an extended season. This shrub has an upright rounded form with dense foliage. Size: 8-10 ft high x 6-8 ft wide Bloom time: January – March (Mid winter to early spring) Flowers: Coral pink, anemone form, medium (3-4″) blooms Water: Keep soil evenly moist, but no standing water. Sun: Best in part sun (morning sun with afternoon shade) USDA Cold Hardiness Zones: 7

Mature Size: 16″ H x 24″ W, bushy

Soil Type: Moist with good drainage

Light: Full to Part Sun

Bloom Time: Jan-April

Flower Color: Magenta

Features: Deer Resistant. Attracts Pollinators.

Erica x darleyensis is a hybrid that is one of the easiest to grow of all heathers. They can grow in most types of soil and don’t need much shearing. These heather are taller and bushier than most. They can be pruned after they finish blooming in the spring. Cold hardy to -20?F.

Mature Size: 16″ H x 36″ W, bushy

Soil Type: Moist with good drainage

Light: Full to Part Sun

Bloom Time: Sept-May

Flower Color: Pink

Features: Deer Resistant. Attracts Pollinators.

Erica x darleyensis is a hybrid that is one of the easiest to grow of all heathers. They can grow in most types of soil and don’t need much shearing. These heather are taller and bushier than most. They can be pruned after they finish blooming in the spring. Cold hardy to -20?F.

Mature Size: 14″ H x 32″ W, bushy

Soil Type: Moist with good drainage

Light: Full to Part Sun

Bloom Time: Dec-May

Flower Color: White

Features: Deer Resistant. Attracts Pollinators.

Erica x darleyensis is a hybrid that is one of the easiest to grow of all heathers. They can grow in most types of soil and don’t need much shearing. These heather are taller and bushier than most. They can be pruned after they finish blooming in the spring. Cold hardy to -20?F.

Mature Size: 8″ H x 18″ W, spreading

Soil Type: Moist with good drainage

Light: Full to Part Sun

Bloom Time: Jan-May

Flower Color: Red-purple to Crimson

Features: One of the darkest red carnea types. Deer Resistant. Attracts Pollinators.

Erica carnea, also known as Winter Heather, are very hardy types of heather. They give landscapes long lasting winter color. Heather can be sheared lightly right after blooming to form a bushier plant.

Erica carnea Heather grows fairly quickly. They can be grown in most types of soil and are the easiest to grow of the heathers. Cold hardy to -30?F with wind protection.

Mature Size: 6″ H x 18″ W, spreading

Soil Type: Moist with good drainage

Light: Full to Part Sun

Bloom Time: Jan-May

Flower Color: Dark Magenta

Features: Deer Resistant. Attracts Pollinators.

Erica carnea, also known as Winter Heather, are very hardy types of heather. They give landscapes long lasting winter color. Heather can be sheared lightly right after blooming to form a bushier plant.

Erica carnea Heather grows fairly quickly. They can be grown in most types of soil and are the easiest to grow of the heathers. Cold hardy to -30?F with wind protection.

Mature Size: 6″ H x 16″ W, compact

Soil Type: Moist with good drainage

Light: Full to Part Sun

Bloom Time: Feb-April

Flower Color: Salmon

Features: Slow growing. Deer Resistant. Attracts Pollinators.

Erica carnea, also known as Winter Heather, are very hardy types of heather. They give landscapes long lasting winter color. Heather can be sheared lightly right after blooming to form a bushier plant.

Erica carnea Heather grows fairly quickly. They can be grown in most types of soil and are the easiest to grow of the heathers. Cold hardy to -30?F with wind protection.

Mature Size: 16″ H x 24″ W

Soil Type: Moist with good drainage

Light: Full to Part Sun

Bloom Time: July-Oct

Flower Color: Pale Pink

Features: Golden yellow foliage. Deer Resistant. Attracts Pollinators.

Erica x griffithsii heather are hybrids of other types of heather. They tend to be vigorous with a compact habit and early flowering season.