Camellia Basics

The two major groups of camellias are Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua. Camellia japonicas bloom January through March. They have larger, glossy green leaves and flowers that are not fragrant. This evergreen prefers to be planted under a high dappled overstory or in deep shade. Zones 7 to 9.

Sasanqua camellias bloom from September through December. They have smaller leaves and fragrant blooms. They are adaptable and versatile and grow in full sun or deep shade. This group is a good choice as a specimen plant or an unclipped hedge. Zones 7 to 9.

When it comes to choice, camellias offer a wide variety. Some varieties even have more than one color flower on the same plant. There are eight different bloom types, or forms:

• rose
  
• anemone
  
• tiered
  
• single
  
• formal double
  
• semidouble
  
• full peony
  
• loose peony