Description
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. |
 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. |
 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. |
 Camellia japonica ‘In the Pink’In the Pink is a gorgeous camellia. Its wavy pink petals contrast well against the glossy, dark green leaves. |
 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. |
 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. |
 Camellia japonica ‘Marie Bracey’Marie Bracey Camellia is long blooming with bright pink flowers. The plant has a moderate growth rate. |
 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. |
 Camellia japonica ‘Spellbound’Spellbound Camellia’s bright pink flowers bloom have an extended season. This shrub has an upright rounded form with dense foliage. |
