Camellia japonica is the most familiar species with its glossy, leathery dark green leaves and perfectly sculpted petals, both solid and variegated, in shades of white, pink and red. But there are over 3,000 named varieties offering an extensive selection of color, form and size.
The American Camellia Society defines six basic flower forms: single, semidouble, anemone form, peony form, rose-form double and formal double. These forms range from simple as a wild rose to frilly and frowsy like a peony. Several forms have conspicuous yellow stamens in the middle of the flower, although in the anemone form, small petals (petaloids) and stamens are tightly intermingled in a central mound.
Camellias need partial shade, under a tall tree or on the north side of a building. Once they mature, some species can stand the sun because their roots will be shaded by the heavy leaf canopy. They need steady moisture when they’re getting established and when the flower buds are forming and opening. They like well-drained, acidic soil, so in your containers, use a soil mixture formulated for acid loving plants like camellias, hydrangeas and rhododendron. Do any pruning in the spring, after bloom.
Another pleasing feature about camellias is that they have few disease or insect problems. Here are some of the possible trouble spots:
- scorched or yellow areas in center of leaves – this is probably caused by sunburn
- burned leaf edges – due to over-fertilizing
- excessive leaf drop – due to over-fertilizing
- yellow leaves with green veins – iron deficiency (chlorosis)
- camellia petal blight – this is a fungus which turns the flowers brown; sanitation is the best control – pick up fallen petals and all infected flowers from the plant and dispose of them; dispose of old mulch and replace with new.
Look for varieties that do well in your specific climate. Some of the more interesting ones include:
- ‘Bob Hope’ – large deep red semidouble blooms with prominent yellow stamens
- ‘Debutante’ – medium, light pink peony form profuse bloomer that tolerates warmer climates
- ‘Tomorrow’s Tropic Dawn’ – red-streaked white flowers aging to blush pink
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