History

• Modern ornamental camellias have been developed over untold centuries, starting from wild species growing in China, Japan, Korea and other Asian locales. The Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who developed the two-name Latin system now used to classify plants, named the genus in the 18th century. Pampered in European conservatories and on Southern plantations, camellias have long been perceived as fussy aristocrats of the plant world. Today camellias thrive in urban, suburban and rural yards, rugged beauties that do well with minimal care.
  
  

Traits

• Ornamental camellias are broadleaf evergreen shrubs that can grow to 25 feet. They are striking as specimen shrubs, shrub hedges and privacy screens. Their large, showy flowers bloom in winter--any time from September to February or March, depending on the variety and the climate. Camellias are slow-growing, shallow-rooted shrubs; very large specimens are sometimes pruned as trees. With reasonably consistent care they can grow quite old and easily outlive the people who plant them. New hybrids, hardy cultivars and greenhouse cultivation make it possible for determined growers to enjoy camellias almost anywhere in the U.S. Winter temperatures below 20 degrees F will generally reduce flower size, though there is considerable variation in cold sensitivity. It usually takes colder temperatures to damage the plant.
  
  

Types

• The Japanese camellia, with an amazing diversity of flower shapes, sizes and colors, is the species most gardeners know and grow. Hybrid crosses with Camellia reticulata and other species have led to great variation in growth habit and leaf size too. But flowers are the main focus. Cultivars can be classified based on when they bloom; varieties may be Early; Early to Midseason; Midseason; or Late. The American Camellia Society classifies camellia flowers as single; semi-double; anemone; peony; rose form double; or formal double.
  
  

Requirements

• Environmental factors can influence camellia size, form and flowering. Well-drained, aerated and slightly acidic soil is essential. Partial or dappled shade, including protection from hot afternoon sun, is also crucial. Dense shade, though, causes spindly growth and few blooms. Consistently moist soil is particularly important in a camellia's formative years; older, established plants have been known to adapt to dry conditions. Plant camellias near buildings or otherwise provide protection from wind.
  
  

Care

• Mulch camellias with 2 to 4 inches of shredded leaves, pine needles or pine bark, to protect tender roots and conserve soil moisture. Fertilize in spring with camellia fertilizer, scraping aside the mulch, then watering fertilizer in thoroughly before replacing the mulch. Camellias need little pruning, except to reshape plants or stimulate new growth; prune as needed after flowering. Camellias are hardy, and largely free of diseases or pests. Flowers are sometimes marred by petal blight, a spore-borne disease that turns flowers brown and causes them to fall. Prevent it by cleaning up and disposing of all diseased vegetation.