The stunning Camellia plant is originally from eastern and southern Asia but can now be found growing in various parts of the world. There seems to be some debate among scientists about how many different species of Camellias exist, with estimates ranging from 100 to 300 types. This diversity means that there are plenty of options to consider when adding a Camellia to your garden. Check out our Camellia growing guide for more information and tips.
Most Camellias thrive in acidic soil and grow quickly, making them a fantastic addition to your garden. They typically grow in hardiness zones 6 or 7 to 10, and their beautiful flowers often have a sweet fragrance. Camellia flowers bloom from early to late season, depending on location: from November to April in the northern hemisphere and April to September in the southern hemisphere. Although not all flowers bloom at the same time, planting multiple Camellia varieties can provide dazzling blooms throughout the year. Part shade to full shade is the ideal condition for Camellias.
Camellia flowers come in six different shapes: single, semi-double, anemone form, peony form, rose form, and formal double. Here are 20 stunning Camellia varieties to consider for your garden, starting with Bonnie Marie.
This particular type of flower showcases two distinctive forms – semi-double and anemone – with its petals being quite large at 3 to 4 inches in width. Its beauty is highlighted by the pink hue of its petals, exhibiting deep pink veins along with golden stamens. In terms of growth, this evergreen shrub can reach a towering height of up to 10 feet.
The Cinnamon Cindy is a stunning plant that boasts beautiful peony-like white blooms, ranging from 2 to 5 inches in size. These flowers have a single stamen encircled by 22 delicate petals. While this shrub grows at a slow pace, it can reach a height of 8 to 10 inches. It’s important to shield the flowers from strong winds for optimal growth. This information was presented by E.G. Waterhouse.
The Mine-No-Yuki flower has a delightful arrangement of formal double fuchsia-pink petals, grouped in multiple rows. This shrub is exclusive to zones 7 and 8, with dark green foliage that grows narrowly. The flowers typically bloom during mid to late season, depending on the hemisphere – January to May in the northern and June to October in the southern.
The Setsugekka, also referred to as White Doves, are a fascinating addition to your autumn garden. They have beautiful double blooms in a pure snowy-white color that reveal themselves from delicate pink buds. Their branches gracefully arch and cascade, growing up to 8 feet in height.
Snow Flurry is a type of flower that boasts of bright and blooming white petals resembling snowflakes, surrounded by glossy green leaves. This captivating flower can be grown in border areas near walls or fences. One thing to take note of is that it needs protection from vine weevils and scale insects.
The semi-double blossoms of these flowers emit a delightful, fragrant aroma that emanates from their single to double blooms. The soft pink petals that encircle the golden stamens in the center add to the appeal of these blooms.
In the early season, which spans from October to January in the northern hemisphere and March to June in the southern hemisphere, these flowers bloom for an extended period. The shrubs can grow up to 20 feet tall, making them suitable for wall-side borders and fences.
Winter’s Star is a name given to this flower due to its cold-hardiness, enabling it to survive in zones of up to 6b. These flowers bloom for up to six weeks in the autumn, displaying pink-violet petals that surround the golden stamens at the center. They make excellent cut flowers.
Water Lily is another type of flower that has unique characteristics.
The evergreen shrub known as Desire produces stunning double flowers in a rich crimson color that can reach up to 4 inches in width. These gorgeous blooms typically emerge between January and March in the northern hemisphere, or June to August in the southern hemisphere. In addition to its eye-catching flowers, Desire is also prized for its bushy growth habit and attractive bronze foliage that eventually matures into a deep shade of green, providing year-round interest in any garden.
The Desire Camellia Japonica boasts a stunning formal double flower, boasting over 60 delicate petals in shades of white and pale blush pink, with a touch of deeper pink around the edges. This beauty blooms for several months, from early to mid-season, adding a touch of elegance to any garden. On the other hand, the China Clay semi-double flowers have two rows of pure white petals with a hint of pink flush, accentuating the center of golden stamens. These flowers are almost weather-proof, blooming during mid-season. Lastly, the Lavinia Maggi offers a unique floral display with its single flowers that resemble cherry blossoms in shades of light pink and white. These blooms appear in abundance during mid-season and make for an enchanting addition to any garden.
These charming blush pink semi-double flowers have a modest size of around 2 inches in width. Their center boasts creamy filaments, while the edges of their petals gradually fade to almost white. These blooms are known for their relatively long blooming period, which spans from early to mid-season. Depending on the hemisphere, this can range from October to March in the northern hemisphere and March to August in the southern hemisphere. The plant’s glossy green leaves also feature hints of bronze in their coloration. Meet Jean May’s new addition to the garden!
These lovely flowers come in a shell pink color and have a semi-double or double form, with the center of the bloom being a deeper shade of pink. They also have a slight fragrance and make a gorgeous addition to any winter garden.
Moving on to Moonlight Bay, this shrub produces stunning orchid-like pink flowers that can grow up to 6 inches in width. Blooming during mid-season, it creates a breathtaking display. The shrub itself grows to be quite tall, reaching heights of 8 to 10 feet and requires pruning after flowering.
Last but not least, we have Scentsation.