From the tea family, the beautiful flowering camellia shrubs were happily adopted from Asia by the British and have flourished in milder climate areas of the United States since the mid-1800s. The camellia can be trained to a wall or trellis, placed in containers, used as borders, or may also attain tree-like proportions.
These glossy leafed, evergreen beauties are attractive even when not in bloom. The showy, open blooms usually have large yellow or white centers and range in color from lavender, pink, and red, to orange, yellow and white. Variegated flowers are also available. Bloom petal density ranges from anemone-like simplicity to peony-like abundance. Some camellia varieties feature bloom shapes similar to the classic rose. The individual petals scatter across the garden floor as they colorfully drift from the finished blooms, automatically removing spent blooms from the plant. Favorite varieties include spring blooming camellia japonica and fall blooming Sasanqua. Zones 9A and above enjoy extended blooming of these fragrant flowering plants. In 2003 the US National Arboretum introduced cold hardy, fall blooming camellias suitable as far north as zone 6b, developed specifically for landscaping.
The slow growing camellia shrubs need well-drained soil and may not flower for two to three years. Be sure to select a planting area large enough to accommodate the mature plant. Select a partial shade, partial sun to full sun location for best results. Cold frosts may brown blossoms or damage buds. Carefully handled blossoms make attractive corsages or may be used in a floating floral arrangement.