Camellia: Complete Guide to Types, Care & Pruning

• Evergreen shrubs
• Zones 4–9, 12, 14–24, 26–31, warmer 32 (most); hardy types throughout 32
• Partial shade
• Regular to moderate water

North America's best-loved shrubs. Rounded shiny green leaves 2–3 in. Delicate showy flowers 3–5 in. across in white, pink, red shades.

Planting & Care

• Buy/plant in bloom—choose exact flower type/color; blooming plants are most dormant, minimal transplant stress.
• Well-amended, slightly acid soil. Surface roots—avoid underplanting/cultivating near them. 2-in. mulch for root protection.
• Camellia-specific fertilizer per package directions.
• Prune immediately post-bloom: thinning cuts (prevent hidden flowers/dense growth), heading cuts for lankiness.
• Petal blight (brown flower spots): remove infected blooms/buds, clear fallen petals, replace mulch.

Species

C. japonica: Most familiar. For continuous bloom, plant multiple kinds (Nov–May). Single/semi/double. 6–12 ft typically.

C. oleifera hybrids: Colder zones gain color/size range. Pre-oleifera: only small-flowered species survived cold. With shelter: tolerate -15°F.

C. sasanqua hybrids: Mild winters. Late autumn–winter bloom, single/semi-double. More sun-tolerant, pliable stems for wall training. 1.5–15 ft.