Camellias are beautiful flowering shrubs that can add charm and color to any garden. With their glossy leaves and eye-catching blooms, camellias are a great choice for homeowners looking to spruce up their outdoor space. If you’re interested in purchasing camellias for your own landscape, you may be wondering: where can I find camellia plants for sale near me?
A Bit About Camellias
Before discussing where to find camellias for sale let’s first take a moment to learn a little more about these plants. Camellias are native to Asia but are now grown around the world. There are over 200 species within the genus Camellia, but one of the most popular is Camellia japonica. This species blooms in late fall or winter bearing flowers that range from white to pink to red. Other commonly grown camellia species include Camellia sasanqua (blooms in fall and early winter) and Camellia reticulata (blooms in late winter and spring).
In addition to their beautiful flowers, camellias are prized for their handsome evergreen foliage. Their leaves come in many shades of green and sometimes feature a glossy finish. Camellias prefer partial shade and acidic, well-draining soil. Once established they are relatively low maintenance. With proper care camellias can live for decades and grow up to 20 feet tall and wide.
Where to Find Camellias for Sale
Now that you know a bit about these stellar shrubs, let’s explore some places where you can find camellia plants for sale near you:
Local Nurseries and Garden Centers
One of the best places to find camellias is your local independent nursery or garden center. Many nurseries grow some varieties of camellias onsite or have relationships with regional growers to make camellias available to local customers. The benefit of shopping for camellias at an independent nursery is that you can select the exact plant you want, check it for health and vigor, and get advice from knowledgeable staff. Be sure to call ahead to confirm availability.
Some of the national chain home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot also carry a selection of camellia plants, particularly in winter and early spring when they are in bloom. Camellias may be available seasonally or year-round, depending on location.
Online Nurseries
If you have trouble finding camellias at local stores, online mail order nurseries offer a huge selection of camellia varieties that can be shipped directly to your door. Reputable online sellers include:
- Camellia Forest Nursery – large selection of over 200 camellia varieties
- Brighter Blooms – carries the popular Camellia japonica varieties like Kramer’s Supreme
- Nature Hills Nursery – wide selection of blooming and evergreen camellia shrubs
- Southern Living Plant Collection – camellia varieties ideal for Southern landscapes
When ordering camellias online, be sure to shop early before varieties sell out. Most mail order nurseries ship them in fall through early spring when they are dormant.
Local Camellia Societies
In some regions, there are local chapters of the American Camellia Society. Members sometimes hold camellia sales or auctions where you can get plants at great prices. Check their websites for event schedules.
Botanical Gardens
Nearby botanical gardens, parks, or public gardens may have camellia specimens on display. Sometimes these places will hold annual camellia or plant sales where you can purchase new plants for your own garden.
Friends and Neighbors
Don’t forget to ask your gardening friends, neighbors, or family members if they have any camellia divisions or cuttings they’d be willing to share! Camellias are easy to propagate from cuttings. Getting a cutting from a neighbor’s established plant can help you grow an identical camellia variety.
What to Look for When Buying Camellias
When searching for camellia plants for sale, keep an eye out for:
- Healthy foliage – Look for glossy, vibrant leaves without spots or discoloration
- Robust structure – Seek out plants with sturdy stems and well-established root systems
- Flower buds – For winter/spring blooming varieties, look for visible flower buds as a sign of viability
- Good soil media – Ensure the camellia is planted in acidic, well-draining soil or potting mix
- Proper size – Purchase a plant sized appropriately for your needs; avoid root-bound or overgrown plants
- Cold hardiness – Select varieties suitable for your USDA zone
Buying plants while in bloom is ideal so you can see the flower color. Be sure to ask the nursery about the specific care needs of the variety you choose.
Caring for Camellias After Purchase
Once you get your camellia plant home, proper care is important to help it thrive. Here are some tips for getting newly purchased camellias off to a good start:
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Plant in a partly shady spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Most varieties need 4-6 hours of sun daily.
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Amend the soil with organic material like compost or peat moss to enhance drainage and acidity.
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Water thoroughly after planting and water regularly the first year, especially during dry spells. Established camellias are quite drought tolerant.
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Apply an acidic fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing camellias.
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Prune immediately after flowering is complete if needed to shape. Avoid heavy pruning.
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Add 2-4 inches of mulch around the base to maintain soil moisture and temperature.
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Protect from harsh winter winds and cold in northern zones.
With the proper care, camellias can transform into an elegant focal point of any landscape. Now that you know where to find camellias for sale near you, you can start planning your own camellia garden oasis! Let those blooms brighten up your outdoor space with vibrant color.
Many Camellia varieties make for dense and colorful Privacy Screens
Numerous Camellia sasanqua and japonica selections are perfect for screens thanks to their dense foliage and evergreen nature. Additionally, unlike many privacy hedges or screens, a row of these beauties will produce gorgeous camellia flowers! Tall-growing selections like the Alabama Beauty Camellia and October Magic Inspiration Camellia shine in this sort of setting.
Why Should I Plant Camellias?
Camellias are an elegant addition to any garden and add winter blooms when other plants are hunkering down for winter.
Southern Living Plant Collection Camellias
FAQ
When should I buy camellia plants?
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Late Fall (October-November):This is a great time to plant camellias, as the soil is still warm and the plants have time to develop roots before the cooler winter months.
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Early Spring (February-March):Planting in early spring also allows the plant to establish its roots before the summer heat sets in.
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Avoid Summer:While possible, it’s generally not recommended to plant camellias during the hottest summer months, as the plant may struggle to establish its roots and may need extra watering and care, according to Plants by Mail.
Does Lowe’s have camellias?
Lowe’s Japanese camellia Flowering Shrub in 2.25 -Gallon in the Shrubs department at Lowes.com.
Where is the best place to plant a camellia?
They are happiest in a semi -shaded position with a westerly or sheltered northerly aspect. It is important to avoid south or east facing positions because the flowers may be spoilt by the early morning sun following frosty nights.
Does Home Depot sell camellias?
Perfect Plants 3. Gal Pink Perfection Camellia Flowering Shrub (2-Pack) THD00437 – The Home Depot.
Where can I buy camellia shrubs online?
You can buy Camellia shrubs for sale online from Wilson Bros Gardens. We safely ship high-quality, container-grown specimens that are ready to plant and provide stunning beauty for years to come in your gardens – Guaranteed!
What is a good location for a camellia plant in a garden?
Put other plants in the sunny south and west sides, but fill the north and east with shrubs like the camellia, and you will have flowers and beauty for months on end. They are also important plants for pot growing.
What is a Camellia Flowering Shrub?
Camellia flowering shrub is ideal for hedges, foundation plantings, containers, specimen trees or training as espaliers Produces brilliant symmetry with glossy, deep-green leaves and red, pink and white flowers that can bloom late winter through spring
Why should you add a camellia to your garden?
The premier use for the camellia in your garden is for its flowers, which instantly grab our attention. But it doesn’t stop there, because their dense growth and rich evergreen foliage makes them excellent plants for creating the structure and form that makes every garden unique.
Can camellias be grown in pots?
If you live in an area that is too cold or has alkaline soil, growing camellias in pots is the best way to go. In warmer areas, the pots can be kept outdoors all year round, but in colder places, they need to be brought indoors for the coldest months. Plants will live well in pots for many years.
Can camellias grow in the shade?
Camellias are known for their ability to grow well in building shade. They are the ideal choice for the shady parts of the foundation planting around your home. While other plants may prefer sunny south and west sides, camellias thrive in the north and east, providing flowers and beauty for months on end.