Pretty Camellia shrubs bring fragrant winter blooms arranged with the kind of symmetry that feels like Ma Nature showing off her Fibonacci flair. These glossy evergreen beauties brighten Southern gardens when color is scarce and have long symbolized love, devotion, and elegance. They are also the official state flower of Alabama.
Use this guide to keep your Camellias blooming beautifully with help from the Nature Hills horticulture team.
The Camellia family (Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua) includes over 200 species and thousands of hybrids. They originated in Asia, charmed English gardens, and later became Southern staples in USDA growing zones 7 to 10 thanks to their showy winter blooms and evergreen foliage.
Camellias bloom in single or double forms. Double blooms resemble perfectly arranged Roses, and single blooms show off bright golden stamens that pollinators adore. Their evergreen leaves stay glossy year-round, and like their cousin Camellia sinensis, the young leaves of Camellia sasanqua can even be dried or fermented into tea. Tea lovers can grow the Large Leaf Tea Camellia to craft their own infusions.
- Fragrant late-season blooms
- Glossy evergreen foliage
- Moderate to fast growth
- Low-maintenance once established
- Great for bouquets or floating displays
- Thrives in acidic, well-drained soil
- Sun, part shade, or shade tolerant
- Drought tolerance once established
- Pollinator-friendly
- Tea worthy foliage (sasanqua types)
- Ideal for hedges, privacy, and specimen use
Camellia Bushes Available at Nature Hills
Nature Hills is selective when showcasing Camellia shrubs, prioritizing bloom power, color, habit, and disease tolerance.
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Red Flowering Camellias |
Pink Flowering Camellias |
White Flowering Camellias |
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Kramer’s Supreme October Magic® Ruby Tom Knudsen Yuletide Camellia |
Debutante Camellia Early Wonder® Hana Jiman Camellia Kanjiro Camellia Nuccio's Pearl Shishi Gashira Slim 'N Trim Camellia Spellbound Camellia Stephanie Golden |
Autumn Rocket Falling Star Camellia October Magic® White Shi-Shi™ Silver Waves Snow on the Mountain Large Leaf Tea |
The Shishi Gashira is a unique weeping form! The Slim 'N Trim and the Autumn Rocket are unique columnar forms that fit into tight spaces! Or try the brilliant Christmastime red blooms of Yuletide!
The October Magic® series is a dwarf form that fits perfectly into the smallest properties! The large-scale Kanjiro Camellia will create impressive privacy and screening with ease!
Camellias in the Landscape
- Winter bloomers that brighten mild climate gardens
- Evergreen structure for hedges, screens, and borders
- Handsome backdrop for perennials, annual flowers, and flowering bushes
- Works in shade gardens, mixed borders, and windbreaks
- Perfect for Garden Rooms and outdoor dining spaces
Plant 5 to 10 feet apart for a full living screen. Columnar varieties soften hard corners, compact forms suit foundations, and mass plantings under tall trees attract pollinators.
Camellias in Containers
- Ideal for balconies, patios, and small spaces
- Use acidic soil formulated for Azaleas, Camellias, and Rhododendrons
- Choose containers with excellent drainage
- Morning sun with afternoon protection works best
Try an espaliered Camellia against a wall or limb up a multi-trunk shrub to create sculptural container accents.
Caring For Camellias
- Deer usually avoid them, but protect young shrubs during establishment
- Very pest and disease-resistant when planted correctly
Sun and Location
- Part shade is ideal
- Sasanqua types tolerate more sun
- Morning sun dries dew and prevents foliar issues
- Avoid windy, exposed areas
Moisture
- Keep soil evenly moist until established
- Deep water during drought periods
- Give a long drink before winter
Soil
- Acidic, humus-rich, well-drained soil
- Mound up 18 inches if drainage is poor
- Mulch with pine needles or pine bark
- Use an acid-loving soil mix for containers
Pruning and Maintenance
- Prune immediately after flowering
- Remove dead interior branches for airflow
- Limb up to create a small multi-trunk Camellia tree
Fertility
- Soil pH should be 5 to 6.5
- Feed twice yearly with an acid-lover's fertilizer
Container Wintering
- Move pots indoors in colder regions
- Use bright rooms with indirect sun
- Reduce watering in winter
- Acclimate slowly when moving in and out
Captivating Camellias!
Glossy leaves, winter fragrance, and elegant blooms make Camellias a Southern treasure. These evergreen shrubs are graceful, reliable, and unforgettable. Explore all the Camellias available at Nature Hills and bring home a true garden jewel.
Happy Planting!
