Modern camellia varieties were developed from a limited palette of wild ancestors, but among them are some of these taller growers. Japanese camellia Camellia japonica, known as common camellia, Japanese camellia, or tsubaki in Japanese, is one of the best known species of the genus Camellia. Sometimes called the rose of winter, it belongs to the family Theaceae. It is the official state flower of Alabama. There are thousands of cultivars of …Camellia
How tall do camellias grow?
Most species of wild camellias are shrubs to small trees, and a number of them can eventually grow 50 to 60 feet tall. Modern camellia varieties were developed from a limited palette of wild ancestors, but among them are some of these taller growers.
What are the different types of camellia trees?
The Sasanqua camellia (Camellia sasanqua) is another popular species of camellia tree that you may find in nurseries. According to Missouri Botanical Garden, this variety grows 6 to 10 feet wide and tall, and it's hardy in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9.
Where do camellias grow in Australia?
Camellia japonica grows into a classic small tree that prefers dappled light, including that found under gum trees. They grow from subtropical Brisbane to the frosty hills of Tasmania and flower from April to October, depending on the variety. Your local nursery can help select cultivars that will thrive in your garden.
What is the oldest camellia tree?
The oldest surviving Camellia was planted in 1347 and can be found in China’s Panlong Monastery. These flowering small trees or shrubs are evergreen and can be grown as bushes, hedges, topiaries or espaliers.
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How tall does camellia get?
Common Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica) is a broadleaved, evergreen shrub, which may grow to a height of 25 feet, but more often to 6 to 12 feet. It has a spread of 6 to 10 feet. The dark-green leathery leaves are 4 inches long.
Which camellia has the largest flower?
Camellia reticulata C. reticulata hybrids are some of the loveliest and largest flowers in the horticultural world.
Which camellia grows fastest?
The fastest growing Camellia is the Camellia transnokoensis, its growth can exceed 25 inches/year, reaching 1 foot in height at maturity.
What is the difference between Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua?
Camellia Japonica and Camellia Sasanquas are both Camellias, but with different qualities. Japonica's are what most people think of when they think Camellia, with the large flower that blooms in winter and early spring whereas Sasanqua's have smaller flowers and bloom in the fall.
What is the most beautiful camellia?
11 of the Most Beautiful Camellia Varieties to Grow at HomeCamellia Bloom Formations.Camellia Varieties for Your Landscape. April Dawn. Debutante. High Fragrance. Jordan's Pride. Kramer's Supreme. Mine No Yuki. Moonshadow. October Magic Carpet. Pink Perfection. Shishi Gashira. Yuletide.
What is the difference between Camellia japonica and Camellia reticulata?
reticulata is a small tree, while C. japonica is a shrub. This allows C. reticulata to grow higher into the forest canopy than C.
How long does it take a camellia to grow to full height?
A slow-growing evergreen shrub, the Japanese camellia can reach heights of 25 feet, but this can take over one hundred years. It can still take decades for them to reach heights above six to eight feet. If you want a faster-growing variety, opt for a sasanqua.
What is the easiest camellia to grow?
“If you're looking for a hardier flowering shrub,” Farmer says, “try sasanquas. They give you a head start on camellia season. I really like 'Sparkling Burgundy' and 'Yuletide', which has red blooms and pretty yellow stamens.
How many inches a year do camellias grow?
This shrub grows at a slow rate, with height increases of less than 12" per year.
Can sasanqua camellias take full sun?
Also, consider how much sunlight you have available: Japanese camellias do best with a bit of morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sun all day, while sasanqua camellias prefer full sun. Most camellias will survive the winter in zones 7 to 10 (plus there are some new varieties that will also survive in zone 6).
Can sasanqua camellias grow in full shade?
Sasanqua varieties tend to do best in full sun or part shade, while Japanese varieties typically thrive in partial to full shade and don't do well in direct sun. Regardless of which kind you choose, you'll want to keep the soil consistently moist but ensure it has good drainage.
What can I plant with sasanqua camellias?
When it comes to choosing camellia plant companions, consider plants such as hostas, rhododendrons, ferns, or azaleas. Camellias are shallow-rooted plants, which means they won't thrive next to trees or shrubs with long, complex root systems. For instance, you may want to avoid poplars, willows, or elms.
How big does a Camilla get?
Features and Types of Garden Camellias Size: Typically 6-15 feet tall, although there are smaller (2 ft.) and larger (to 20 ft.) varieties as well. Width is 5-7 feet.
How big does Camellia japonica grow?
A slow-growing evergreen shrub, the Japanese camellia can reach heights of 25 feet, but this can take over one hundred years. It can still take decades for them to reach heights above six to eight feet. If you want a faster-growing variety, opt for a sasanqua.
Are sasanqua camellias Hardy?
If so, Don suggests you consider planting sasanqua camellias (Camellia sasanqua). These wonderful plants are hardy, versatile, and they don't have to be sprayed with chemicals. They can be clipped into a formal style or left to grow naturally.
How many times do camellias flower?
Camellias are evergreen shrubs with very attractive flowers, normally in late winter / early spring. For the first two years they require some attention, watering in particular, to become established....CAMELLIA SUMMARY.HARDYVarietalFLOWER TIMESpring or autumn19 more rows
What is the tallest flower in the world?
Camillia reticulata is the tallest and has the largest flower in its species. It is typically grown as a shrub, growing to 12' in height, however, growth as a tree can reach heights of 50'. This open, loose broadleaf evergreen can be found growing in the wild, with red or pink flowers up to 4" wide. Hybrids are larger, with 6-10" blooms.
How big are hybrid flowers?
Hybrids are larger, with 6-10" blooms. The flowers which are located at the tips of the branches have wavy, somewhat curly petals. This gives a variety of forms to the flowers. The weight of the mostly semi-double blooms tends to give the branches an arching form.
Is a camellia plant susceptible to frost?
This species is very susceptible to cold temperatures and frost. This plant is mildly resistant to damage by deer. Insects and Diseases: Camellias are susceptible to viruses and some fungal diseases such as dieback, cankers, flower blight, and root rot.
What is the most widely grown camellia tree?
Ornamental Camellia Tree. The species Camellia japonica is the most widely grown variety of camellia tree, according to Alabama Cooperative Extension System. This species grows in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9. Some cultivars may be hardy to zone 6.
How big does a camellia tree get?
According to Missouri Botanical Garden, this variety grows 6 to 10 feet wide and tall , and it's hardy in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9.
What are the leaves of a camellia tree used for?
According to Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, the leaves are used to make several types of tea, including green, black, white and oolong teas. This species features a fragrant, white camellia flower that blooms in the fall and winter. Flowers measure 1 to 3 inches across.
What is the common tea tree?
Common Tea Tree. Although not as commonly grown as the other camellia varieties in the United States, the species camellia sinensis, or common tea plant, is used to make tea, notes Alabama Cooperative Extension System. This species is more cold hardy than the other camellia trees, and it grows in USDA zones 6 to 9.
How tall do Camellia japonica trees get?
Camellia japonica, which is native to Japan, is a very slow-growing tree. Some of these trees are known to be over 100 years old, and older trees can reach 25 feet tall, notes Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. They grow in moist, well-drained acidic soil, and they prefer part shade. Protect these trees from direct afternoon sunlight, windy conditions and extreme cold, any of which may damage or kill the tree.
When does Sasanqua camellia bloom?
Sasanqua camellia grows well as a hedge with pruning to shape the shrub's growth. It blooms in the fall and winter from September to December and features 2- to 3-inch diameter white to pale pink flowers.
How big are the flowers on a sage tree?
These trees flower seasonally, but the specific time frame depends on the variety. The flowers are 3 to 5 inches across, and colors include white, pink, red, yellow or lavender.
Where do camellias grow?
Expert say there are more than 30,000 cultivars in existence, and everyone has their favourite. The oldest living camellia in Australia dates back to 1831. It was part of a consignment of plants which arrived in a case on the ship Sovereign for Elizabeth Macarthur of Camden Park. One of this collection, ‘Anemoniflora’, is still growing happily in the gardens, and her son William is said to have produced the first Australian camellia cultivar, the stunning white ‘Aspasia Macarthur’. Camellia japonica grows into a classic small tree that prefers dappled light, including that found under gum trees. They grow from subtropical Brisbane to the frosty hills of Tasmania and flower from April to October, depending on the variety. Your local nursery can help select cultivars that will thrive in your garden. If you live in a warm temperate climate avoid the late-season bloomers as very warm weather in September and October will scorch the petals. Japonicas can be hedged, lolly-popped, trained into a decorative espalier, bonsaied, potted or even planted in a hanging basket. You can also transplant them easily if they are in the wrong spot - this is best done after a light prune in winter. First remove all the buds and flowers, then transplant into the new position, taking as big a root ball as possible. Water with seaweed solution to help the camellia roots settle in.
Where to display camellias?
The incredible but top heavy camellia blooms are best displayed in float bowls, plates or platters as flowers picked on long stems fall off quickly.
Why are my camellias dropping flowers?
Dropping camellia flowers: The problem of camellia buds that fail to open or drop off prematurely is called ‘flower balling’ . Some varieties have a tendency to ball and there’s nothing that can be done. It might also be that the plant is receiving too much sun. You may need to move the shrub into a more suitable position. Camellias can develop an excessive amount of buds on each stem so that none of the flowers can open completely. You can thin out the buds, just leaving one to each stem if you like, which will allow the flowers to show off to advantage.
How tall do Sasanquas grow?
Shrub heights can vary from 0.5m to 5m so do your research to choose the best variety for your garden. Sasanquas love acidic soil, pH 5-6, so feed with specialised Camellia fertiliser such as Kahoona after flowering in spring. They are surface-rooting plants so a thick mulch of fallen leaves helps them thrive.
What shrubs are good for full sun?
Camellia sasanqua. The first to flower come autumn, sasanquas are a varied and versatile family of shrubs for full sun. They make excellent clipped topiary, espalier, privacy hedges, formal hedges and even groundcovers. They are evergreen flowering shrubs from Japan with subtly fragrant autumn flowers that attract the birds.
What is the largest flower in the world?
C. reticulata hybrids are some of the loveliest and largest flowers in the horticultural world. Flowers are massive: some are literally as large as dinner plates, up to 25cm across. Flowers have a ruffle of petals, and come in rich reds, deep pinks and crimsons.
Can you thin out camellia leaves?
You can thin out the buds, just leaving one to each stem if you like, which will allow the flowers to show off to advantage. Thickened and deformed camellia leaves is leaf gall, called Exobasidium camelliae, a fungal disease that effects the new growth of some camellia sasanqua.
How tall is Camellia reticulata?
Camellia reticulata is a gray-barked shrub or tree of as much as fifty feet in height, the tallest of the species. The three- to five-inch long, elliptical leaves are heavily serrated and dull green; the species name derives from the netted pattern of leaf venation. The flowers on wild plants will be four inches wide; on hybrids, they are usually larger. Located at the branch tips, the flowers appear in various tints of red and pink, approaching white in some of the cultivars. Individual petals may be indented or somewhat crinkled, giving a variety of forms to the flowers. The fruit is a light brown, three-segmented capsule, about two inches in diameter.
Where did Camellia reticulata originate?
While Camellia reticulata created a horticultural stir in the Western world on at least two occasions in the last 300 years, its history in its native China goes back much further. According to Stirling Macoboy in his magnificent Colour Dictionary of Camellias, the first published reference to C. reticulata was in the year 590 in an herbal text. Colonel Durrant, in a 1967 lecture on the species dated the Chinese cultivation of C. reticulata to the ninth century in its native Yunnan province. By the eleventh century, seventy-two cultivars had been selected. The oldest reticulatas still living sprouted not long after that; indeed, a specimen of ‘Mayetaohong’ at Panlong Monastery dates to 1347. The peak of Chinese enthusiasm for the species seems to have been during the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), when there was a flurry of interest in, and writing about, reticulatas. A recent resurgence of Chinese interest has ballooned the total number of Chinese cultivars to 120.
What is the overstory of Camellia reticulata?
Reticulata is a forest plant, coming from open woodlands described by Trehane as pine scrub. Evergreen and deciduous oaks form an important part of the overstory along with several species of pine. On disrupted sites, Camellia reticulata and its close relatives are quite happy to be the overstory. Soil types vary throughout the region, but most authorities agree that the soil one would expect to find in a forest—loose, acidic, and organic—is the type preferred by the camellias.
When did Camellia reticulata come to the Western world?
A few other reticulata cultivars found their way to the Western world before the middle of the twentieth century. ‘Songzilin’ (syn. ‘Robert Fortune’, ‘Pagoda’, ‘Pine Cone Scale’) was introduced during the nineteenth century, although the exact date is still debated. George Forrest was the first Westerner to wild-collect Camellia reticulata early in the twentieth century. The single-flowered plants that Forrest collected were clearly different from the semi-double ‘Captain Rawes’ from which Lindley had described the species, leading botanist J Robert Sealy to name the wild form C. reticulata forma simplex in his monograph published in 1958.
Do camellias need water?
Water presents a greater challenge. Many parts of the Pacific Coast have as much rain as Yunnan, or more. However, summer is the dry season here, with the bulk of our rain falling in winter and spring. The extra water in the winter is apparently not a problem; camellia show hobbyists link winter water to increased flower size. The critical period for irrigation occurs in the summer months, beginning with the first flush of growth in spring and continuing until temperatures drop again in the fall. Experience at Descanso Gardens suggests that the first flush of growth has the greatest need for water; reticulatas seem more prone to having their new growth wilt from lack of water, low humidity, or high temperatures than do other camellias.
Do reticulata camellias need pruning?
The main goal is to keep an open center and to avoid crossed limbs. Although reticulatas can tolerate heavy pruning ( as evidenced by an unintentional experiment involving falling oak trees), most growers prefer to keep the pruning light. One caution is that reticulatas have a tendency to develop branch dieback from severe heading cuts; as with most woody plants, thinning cuts are preferred.
How tall does a camellia plant get?
Plantation Pink (Camellia sasanqua) Perfect for zones 7-9, this camellia grows up to 20 feet tall and has soft-pink petals and a bright-yellow center. It is sweetly scented and has glossy, elegant leaves that stay looking fantastic all year long.
How big is a camellia?
This type of camellia is very large, getting up to over 5 inches in width , and has petals that are deep salmon-rose and often streaked with a lighter shade of pink. It has a beautiful yellow center, and one thing that makes it unique is that it must be pruned in order to encourage a more compact growth pattern.
What is the color of camellia flowers?
The winner of several international flower awards, this camellia has large double petals that open up to 5 inches in width. The flower is white and has beautiful raspberry-pink markings throughout each petal, and its pointed, glossy leaves perfectly complement its overall look and color. A truly eye-catching flower, it does best when kept away from cold winds and looks great as a specimen plant.
How long does it take for a camellia to bloom?
This camellia is a miniature flower that blooms early and is considered one of the hardiest types of camellias. It blooms profusely over the course of four weeks, and it has beautiful, glossy leaves that perfectly complement its shell-pink, overlapping petals.
What is the color of the leaves on a Camellia japonica?
Australis (Camellia japonica) The Australis has petals that are an amazing-looking shade of rose red, and it has dark-green leaves that stay looking good all year long. It prefers full sun and partial shade, and if you prune it after it flowers, it will remain the perfect size.
How many species of camellias are there?
The genus has about 300 species as well as 3,000 cultivars and hybrids. Camellia sinensis is known as the tea plant because it is most often used for making a green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong, pu-erh and other types of tea. It is the most delicious but the most popular Camellias are the sasanqua, japonica and reticulata.
How tall does a herme grow?
They are both fragrant and elegant, not to mention eye-catching, and the stems are sturdy, attractive, and grow up to 8 feet high.
When do camellias bloom?
The camellia is one of those plants. Sometimes referred to as the “rose of winter,” most varieties form buds in the fall and bloom between autumn and spring , brightening the landscape and providing important sources of forage for the animals and insects that need it. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products.
What flower has a center cluster of petals?
Anemone form blooms have one or more rows of outer petals with a center cluster of petaloids, or smaller petals, and semi-conspicuous stamens. Peony form. Peony form flowers are fuller, have more than one row of petals with a mix of petals and petaloids, and may or may not have conspicuous stamens. Formal double.
How big do April Dawn flowers get?
Some cultivars have been bred to improve fragrance or to produce blooms as large as five inches in diameter. Others are more modest, but offer much-needed color during winter months. 1. April Dawn.
How many petals does a single bloom have?
Single blooms. Single form blooms have five to eight petals and conspicuous stamens. These are the best type for foraging pollinators as they are uncomplicated, making nectar and pollen more accessible. Semi-double. Semi-double blooms have more than eight petals and semi-conspicuous stamens.
When do long blooming plants bloom?
Long blooming types may produce blossoms beginning in fall and continuing until spring.
How tall do sage plants grow?
Plants have a naturally upright shrub-like habit, reaching heights of eight to 12 feet. This variety can also withstand more direct sunlight than some other cultivars.
Do camellias have fragrance?
While camellias can be gloriously lovely, they tend to lack fragrance, and are sometimes described as being pungent, which is obviously not complimentary! In response to these common protests from gardeners, ‘High Fragrance’ was developed.
How tall is a camellia shrub?
In nature, it forms a beautiful shrub that can exceed 7 m in height, but in our climates it will retain lower proportions. Like all camellias, it belongs to the theaceae family. Its hardiness is around 10°F (USDA zone 8).
What is a camellia?
Camellia transnokoensis is a charming country botanical Camellia that deserves to be discovered. With its deep pink topped buds that open into tiny, slightly fragrant white flowers, its pretty airy habit and its young copper and bronze tinted shoots, this little marvel will even seduce the detractors of these shrubs who consider them a little too primed.
What is a Camellia Margaret Davis?
Camellia Margaret Davis. Here is a variety with large white flowers (diameter 4 to 7 inches) hemmed with bright pink. Its growth is rather slow. It is an ideal plant in large pot or in tray, on a balcony or a terrace.
How to keep camelias from yellowing?
Maintaining the fastest growing Camellia (Transokoensis) Every 2 or 3 years, add one or two shovels of compost or Bochevo to the ground around the periphery of your camelia. If the foliage of the plant over the years tends to yellow (chlorosis), add iron sulphate to the soil. One or two handfuls from time to time.
How big does Camellia transnokoensis get?
Its growth is very fast (18 to 25 inches/year). It can reach 1 foot in height. The young spring shoots are red.
When do camellias bloom?
These evergreen shrubs of heather earth then offer between six and seven months of uninterrupted flowering, if we take into account the Camellias which started to flower in October and the Camellia japonica, which bloom from February until early April.
Where is the Camellia transnokoensis native to?
Summary. The Camellia transnokoensis is the fastest growing botanical species of all Camellia, native to the forests of the central mountains of Taiwan, especially on the rocky slopes of Mount Noko, which gave it its species name.
How big does a camellia Survivor grow?
Prized as being one of the best varieties of camellia for cold hardiness, the Survivor can handle most of what our climate can throw at it. Small, single white flowers with patches of pink on the sides adorn this upright camellia, which grows 6- to 8-feet tall and around 5-feet wide on average.
When do camellias bloom?
With the right insight and planning, it’s possible to have a camellia garden that blooms from fall until spring depending on the varieties you choose.
How big does a Yuletide camellia grow?
This fall-bloomer will likely get you into the Christmas spirit with its deep red blooms complementing showy green foliage. Yuletide camellia grows to around 6-feet at maturity with a 4-foot spread.
How tall is Cleopatra?
Cleopatra can reach a height and spread of 6- to 8-feet.
How tall does a peony grow?
This variety has lovely peony-shaped deep pink flowers and rounded upright growth. It can grow anywhere from 4- to 6-feet in height with a similar spread.
How tall is the Autumn Moon?
Autumn Moon is an upright yet compact grower, with a height of around 8-feet but a spread of only around 3-feet. It can work as a foundation or hedge planting but can even work in a container.
Do camellias like sun?
While most camellias prefer light shade, fall- bloomers can tolerate more sun than spring-bloomers. It’s not all rosy for fall-bloomers, as they tend to be smaller, both in growth and in flower size, than spring-blooming varieties.

Reticulatas in The Wild
- With reticulatas having the potential to livefor 600 or more years, the entire cultivated history of the species could be thought of as being only about two life cycles removed from the wild. Any reasonable cultivation regime begins with observing plants in the wild as Jennifer Trehane has done in her recent book on camellias (1998). Camellia retic...
in The Garden
- Understanding these conditions in the wild helps in selecting the best site in the garden for reticulata camellias. Look for a site with loose, acidic soil that has good light and a slight slope for air drainage. Exposure may vary depending upon where the garden is located along the West Coast. Some tree cover to provide shade from the afternoon sun is helpful in Southern California…
reticulata Popularity
- So, what has kept an easily grown, large-flowered, winter-blooming, broadleaf evergreen from gaining more garden acceptance over the last fifty years? Probably two factors are involved: limited nursery availability of reticulatas, and lack of recognition of their distinctive characteristics. The first factor will likely remain in effect until someone learns to root reticulata …
Color, Form, and Season
- For use as a small specimen tree, there are fifty or so cultivars and hybrids of Camellia reticulatacommercially available. Reticulatas are mostly available with red, pink, and variegated blossoms. A few, such as ‘Chrissie’s Retic’ or ‘White Retic’, are nearly white, while others shade into the lavender or purple range as seen in ‘Fiesta Grande’ and ‘Zipao’ (syn. ‘Purple Robe’). Flowe…