The camellia is the belle of the winter garden: elegant, poised, and strikingly beautiful. The dramatic blossoms come in shades of red, white, pink, and even yellow, and the glossy dark green foliage charms year-round. But this is no high-maintenance flower. "Camellias require little care," says Jim Nuccio, who with his family has been growing them for more than 70 years at Nuccio's Nurseries in Altadena, Calif. "Aside from regular feeding and watering, they do best on benign neglect."
Pictured: There are more than 200 species and 40,000 cultivars of camellias. This hybrid, 'Taylor's Perfection,' flowers heavily and grows vigorously.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Captivating Camellias
Marion Brenner
Planting location is key. Camellias should be protected from wind and strong sun. Cultivars of Camellia japonica, the most common species, thrive in light shade, although they can tolerate some direct morning sun. While most varieties are hardy to zones 7 and 8, breeders have developed new varieties for colder areas. Camellias also can be grown in pots in cool conditions indoors, but keep them out of dry, hot air and bring them outside in summer.
Pictured: Camellia japonica 'Pink Perfection.'
This dependable older variety grows compactly and showcases shell-pink formal double flowers.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Captivating Camellias
Marion Brenner
There's good news for camellia lovers in the northern parts of the country. Horticulturists, such as Dr. William L. Ackerman, have been developing new hybrids that are hardy through zone 6. Varieties include 'Winter's Beauty,' 'Jerry Hill,' and 'Pink Icicle.' Ackerman advises planting in mid- to late spring in a sheltered spot and wrapping the shrub in burlap the first winter.
Pictured: Japonica 'Bella Rossa.'
This cultivar with large formal double flowers enjoys a long-blooming season.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Captivating Camellias
Marion Brenner
Japonica 'Donckelarii'
White-tipped red petals distinguish this slow-growing large semidouble variety.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Captivating Camellias
Marion Brenner
SOIL Camellias prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil. When you plant the shrub, Jim Nuccio recommends blending equal parts organic material, such as bark or leaf mold, with native soil. If you have clay soil, mix it first with sand or use a commercial potting blend.
WATER The soil should be moist at all times, but never too wet. Water deeply (for a good 30 seconds) approximately once a week, depending upon conditions, and mulch to retain moisture.
Pictured: Camellia japonica 'Twilight.'
Delicate pale-pink formal double flowers need extra protection from the elements.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Captivating Camellias
Marion Brenner
FERTILIZER Camellias should be fertilized during the growing season. Nuccio suggests an organic fertilizer, such as cottonseed meal, which lasts about two months, or a blend of one part blood meal and four parts cottonseed meal. Be careful not to overfeed and burn the roots.
TEMPERATURE Most camellias can tolerate heat, as long as they are shielded from direct afternoon sun. Even in the South, plants will need protection from severe cold spells and high winter winds.
Pictured: 'Valley Knudsen.'
A vigorous grower with a bushy habit, this hybrid has large bright pink flowers.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Captivating Camellias
Marion Brenner
NURSERIES
Nuccio's Nurseries
Altadena, Calif.;
nucciosnurseries.com
Camellia Forest Nursery
Chapel Hill, N.C. camforest.com
Marion Brenner
RESOURCES
American Camellia Society
camellias-acs.org
Camellias, by Jennifer Trehane
timberpress.com
Beyond the Camellia Belt, by William L. Ackerman
barnesandnoble.com
Marion Brenner
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