Camellia Shrub Care: How to Grow and Care for Camellias

The camellia is a type of evergreen shrub known for its dark green leaves and its pink, red, and white flowers. Camellia flowers bloom in six different styles: single flowers, semi-double flowers, formal double flowers, rose-form double flowers, anemone, and peony. Camellia plants are native to Asia, where they do well in warm air and slightly acidic soil. They tend to do best in USDA hardiness zones seven through ten, but various cultivars have their own needs.

There are over 250 species belonging to the genus Camellia. The camellia species with the best-known practical use is Camellia sinensis, otherwise known as the tea plant. Most types of tea beverages come from cultivars of this plant. The species best known for ornamental usage is the Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica). Still other popular species of camellia include tea-oil camellia (Camellia oleifera) and Sasanqua camellia (which includes Camellia sasanqua, Camellia hiemalis, and Camellia vernalis).

The American Camellia Society lists over 2,300 cultivated camellia varieties. All come from the taxonomic family Theaceae (the tea family) and genus Camellia.

1. 1. 'Mathotiana’: This camellia cultivar has a mid-to-late bloom time and very large formal double flower forms that are crimson in color.
2. 2. ‘Pink Perfection’: ‘Pink Perfection’ camellias have an early-season bloom time and medium formal double pink flowers.
3. 3. ‘Kramer’s Supreme’: This cultivar has a midseason bloom time. The very large, full peony-form flowers are red in color.
4. 4. ‘Betty Sheffield Supreme’: Aside from the midseason bloom time, this cultivar is known for having large flowers with largely white coloration and red and pink accents.
5. 5. ‘Dr. Clifford Parks’: This flowering shrub is a hybrid between Camellia reticulata and Camellia japonica. It has a late-season bloom time with very large, semi-double to peony flowers. The color is a striking red with orange highlights, which stands out against its dark evergreen foliage.

When planting a camellia, dig a hole twice the size of its root ball, and surround it with slightly acidic soil filled with organic matter. The top of the root ball should emerge slightly above the soil. Plant camellias in the late winter or early spring and provide ample water to get the plant started. Once your camellia becomes established, it will be drought-tolerant.

Camellias have similar needs to rhododendrons, azaleas, and hydrangeas. They can even share a garden plot with these flowering shrubs. Provide your camellia shrubs with the following conditions.

1. 1. Climate: As a general rule, camellias do best in USDA hardiness zones seven through ten. If you are planting a special cultivar, research to make sure it will thrive in your local growing zone.
2. 2. Soil: Camellias are acid-loving plants. For the best results, choose acidic, well-draining soil for your camellia bush. You can fertilize this soil with compost and cover it with mulch, but avoid placing mulch too close to the plant's main stem as this can encourage root rot.
3. 3. Sunlight: The camellia shrub can do well in full shade, partial shade, and full sun. The specific sunlight needs will vary depending on the cultivar.
4. 4. Water: Camellias are mostly drought-tolerant, but they will need ample water during their first year as they establish a root system.
5. 5. Fungal diseases: Camellias can be susceptible to a fungus called petal blight. It usually turns up in early spring, and a telltale sign is brown flowers. Remove the damaged foliage and flowers to prevent the fungus from spreading.
6. 6. Pests: Insects may also descend upon camellias. Keep them away by rubbing horticultural oil on camellia leaves—particularly on the undersides of the leaves.
7. 7. Pruning: Camellias grow slowly. They rarely need to be pruned, and pruned plants can take many growing seasons to return to their old size. Only prune dead branches while letting the rest of the plant grow.

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