Conditions for Growth

Camellias need conditions for growth similar to azaleas, an acid pH, excellent drainage and protection from hot afternoon sun. They grow as an understory plant in their native environment, and therefore, prefer an eastern or northern exposure. They must have some sunlight during the day to set flower buds. They like plenty of moisture, but suffer from root rot in heavy soils or poorly drained soils.

Types

The two most popular types of camellias grown are Camellia japonica, commonly called japonica, and Camellia sasanqua. The japonica varieties are not as winter hardy as the sasanquas. Japonicas are a zone 8 plant, with a preferred low temperature between 10 and 20 degrees. Sasanquas can tolerate temperatures between 0 and 10 degrees with no damage. Sasanquas typically bloom earlier than japonicas. Most varieties of sasanquas bloom from mid to late October through early January. Japonica varieties typically begin bloom in early to mid January and continue until spring. Severe winter weather, especially cold winds, may cause some dieback, and can cause flower bud damage on those buds showing color. The bloom period on japonicas is often determined by our winter weather. In mild winters they can begin blooming in early January, and in cold winters it may be delayed until March.

Planting

Japonica varieties will need more protection and benefit from more shade than the sasanquas. They can grow to a height of 15 feet or more. They have a nice pyramidal growth habit and larger leaves, and larger flowers than their counterpart, the sasanqua. Because of their uniform shape, they require little pruning. Give them room to grow to at least 8 to 10 feet. Repeated heavy pruning can cause damage to the plants growth.  The past few years have shown little winter damage to these plants, but they did suffer heavy damage in the mid-1980's when we had two back-to-back cold winters. Offer them extra protection with sheets, burlap, or Remay, when temperatures are expected below 10 degrees. Plant camellias on the shallow side, in a well-drained acid soil. Give them plenty of moisture, especially when it is hot and dry. Give them filtered or morning sun, and a little winter protection in extremely cold years, and you will be blessed with a showstopper in your landscape.

Flower Colors

They come in various flower colors, with both single and double blooms, as well as peony, rose and anemone forms. Colors range from white to various shades of pink and red. Some varieties include: 'Bob Hope' with large, semi-double deep red flowers; 'Covina'- semi-double to rose form, rose red blooms; 'Debutante' large peony type flowers, light pink, early bloomer; 'Mathotiana Supreme' extremely large double crimson flower with bright yellow stamens; 'Nuccio's Pearl', double blooms in white petals blushed in a soft orchid pink; 'Nuccio's Gem' with large double white flowers; and 'Swan Lake', extra large, glistening white blooms.

Camellia Sasanqua

Camellia sasanqua is a more carefree plant. It will tolerate colder temperatures and more sunlight. It is still recommended for a morning sun situation, or filtered light in mid-day. In the north, winter protection will be needed when temperatures fall below zero.

Sasanquas have small glossy leaves, and can grow to a height of 15 feet or more, however most are kept in the six to ten foot range. They have a freer growth habit, and will tolerate more pruning than the japonicas. Since they begin bloom in the fall, they give us some color at a time when other plants have played out. Heavy frosts can damage open blooms, but will not affect the unopened buds, which will open over a period of several weeks. With ideal conditions, they can be in bloom for 6-8 weeks.

Other Varieties

Probably the most popular variety is 'Yuletide', a brilliant fiery red, single bloom with a bright yellow center. Other varieties include: 'Apple Blossom' white petals with pink edging; 'Bonanza', a semidouble peony form with scarlet blooms; 'Chansonette' brilliant pink, double blooms with ruffled petals; 'Cleopatra', a rose pink, semi-double bloom; 'Usi beni, a pink flower; and White Doves (also called Mine-No-Yuki) with a white semi-double bloom.

Forms

Camellias come in a variety of forms. The most common, of course, is the container with one gallons, three gallons and five gallons available in most cases. Some varieties are available as a 'tree', which means the lower limbs have been pruned off, and it is shaped as a single trunk with the foliage at the top. Other varieties come espaliered, where they are grown onedimensionally on a trellis. While these are quite attractive, they do require more maintenance, than the traditional potted forms.

Fertilization Needs

Camellias are not heavy feeders. They can be fertilized once a year in the spring with an azalea/camellia food. If the pH gets too high around these plants, they will show signs of iron chlorosis, just like azaleas. This can be prevented by maintaining an acid pH, or corrected with iron chelate. Any pruning which is needed should be done in the spring, after all blooms are gone, and when new growth has begun. But pruning should be kept to a minimum if possible. Also like azaleas, they occasionally will suffer from leaf galls, the waxy-like deformed leaves in cool, wet springs. This is more of a nuisance than a life-threatening disease.