Marietta Daisies Garden Club

Camellias

Who Says Winter Has to Be Gray?

When winter settles in and the days grow short and frosty, the garden doesn’t have to fade into dull shades of brown and gray. One plant, in particular, brings vibrant color and elegance right when we need it most: the camellia.

Blooming from fall through early spring, camellias brighten the winter landscape with lush flowers in shades of pink, red, and creamy white. Even when not in bloom, their glossy, evergreen leaves provide structure and beauty all year long. Choosing a winter-blooming variety ensures your garden stays lively through the coldest months.

Camellias are long-lived shrubs or small trees—often thriving for 50 years or more. Hardy in USDA zones 6–10, they prefer dappled shade, acidic soil, and consistent moisture. Once established, they reward gardeners with dependable blooms and relatively low maintenance.

These versatile plants work beautifully as specimen plantings, privacy hedges, or foundation shrubs and are equally at home in containers. While generally trouble-free, camellias can occasionally attract aphids or spider mites, which are easily managed with insecticidal soap.

Caring for Camellias

Camellias may look refined, but they’re surprisingly easy to grow when given the right conditions.

Light: Partial shade or dappled sunlight is ideal. Protect plants from harsh afternoon sun.

Soil: Well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.

Water: Regular moisture is important—about 1 inch per week, especially during the first two years as roots establish.

Fertilizer: Feed lightly after flowering with a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants.

Pruning: Prune immediately after blooming to shape plants or remove dead wood.

Planting: Set the plant so the crown sits slightly above the soil level to prevent drainage problems.

Bloom Times to Know

Different camellia species bloom at different times, allowing you to extend color across the seasons:

• Camellia sasanqua: Fall to early winter

• Camellia japonica: Late winter to early spring

Popular Types of Camellias

• Camellia japonica: Known for large, formal, rose-like blooms and dense, upright growth

• Camellia sasanqua: Earlier blooming, more sun-tolerant, and faster growing with smaller flowers

• Camellia reticulata: Prized for exceptionally large blooms

• Camellia sinensis: The species used for tea production

If winter feels a little too gray, camellias are a beautiful reminder that the garden still has plenty to offer—even in the coldest months.