Camellias have been prized possessions of gardeners for decades. They thrive in mild climates from California to Florida and are available in thousands of cultivars. These broadleaved evergreen shrubs have durable, glossy foliage and gorgeous flowers. The most common species of camellias are Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua.
Partial shade to full shade. Most prefer dappled light, but a few varieties need (or tolerate) more sun than others. In general, red-flowered varieties can withstand more sun than white varieties.
Stagger plantings of early, mid- and late varieties and you can have flowers from November through April or May.
Camellias are beloved flowering shrubs that provide gorgeous blooms during the cool seasons in mild winter climates. With over 200 species, camellias come in a wide array of sizes, growth habits, and bloom forms. But one question many camellia lovers ask is: how long does camellia bloom?
The answer depends on the specific variety, as different types of camellias have different blooming seasons. By selecting early, mid, and late season bloomers, you can extend the camellia bloom season in your garden to up to 5-6 months!
In this article we’ll cover
- The two main types of camellia and their bloom seasons
- How to extend the blooming season in your garden
- The blooming habits of popular camellia varieties
- How climate impacts camellia bloom times
- Tips for maximizing blooms
Camellia Japonica vs. Camellia Sasanqua
There are two main types of ornamental camellias grown in gardens:
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Camellia japonica – Also known as Japanese camellia, these are the large, classic flowering shrubs with big, rose-like blooms They bloom in late winter to early spring
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Camellia sasanqua – Typically have smaller leaves and flowers than C. japonica. They bloom earlier in fall to early winter.
Camellia japonicas tend to have a more compact, upright habit while sasanquas are more open and airy. Sasanquas also tolerate more sun than japonicas. But both types require some sun to flower well.
Extending the Bloom Season
To maximize the blooming period, plant a mix of early, mid, and late season varieties. Here’s an example bloom schedule in Zone 8:
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Early season – Sasanquas bloom first in fall, starting as early as September.
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Mid-season – Most sasanquas and early japonicas flower in November to January.
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Late season – Most japonicas bloom in February through April. Some can bloom into May.
By combining both japonica and sasanqua types, you can achieve up to 5-6 months of continuous camellia blooms!
Blooming Habits of Popular Varieties
Here are bloom seasons for some popular camellia varieties:
Early Bloomers
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Camellia sasanqua ‘Apple Blossom’ – Creamy white blooms edged in pink appear in early fall.
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Camellia sasanqua ‘Setsugekka’ – White semi-double flowers open in September.
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Camellia sasanqua ‘Yuletide’ – Dark red blooms from November to January.
Mid-Season Bloomers
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Camellia japonica ‘Debutante’ – Large, rose-like pink blooms in early to mid-winter.
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Camellia japonica ‘Lady Vansittart’ – Shapely red blooms from January to March.
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Camellia japonica ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ – Pale pink double blooms in January.
Late Bloomers
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Camellia japonica ‘Donation’ – Big rose-red semi-double flowers bloom in late February.
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Camellia japonica ‘Mrs. Charles Cobb’ – Shell pink blooms open in early spring.
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Camellia japonica ‘Swan Lake’ – Frilly white blooms from early March to May.
Climate Impact on Blooming
Camellia bloom times are influenced by climate. In warmer zones 9-10, the bloom season may begin and end earlier. Cooler climates may see later bloom periods.
Prolonged cold snaps can damage open blooms. However, tight buds are usually protected. Camellias need a period of winter chill to flower properly. Insufficient chill hours may result in fewer or irregular blooms.
Tips for Maximizing Camellia Blooms
Here are some tips to encourage prolific flowering:
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Select varieties suited to your climate and give them proper sunlight.
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Plant in acidic, well-draining soil amended with organic matter.
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Water regularly, but avoid soggy soil. Mulch to conserve moisture.
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Apply an acidic fertilizer when blooms fade. Avoid high nitrogen blends.
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Prune immediately after flowering. Pinch stems to shape plants.
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Control pests like scale insects which can reduce vigor.
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Protect from hard freezes and cold winds if possible.
With proper care and by combining early, mid, and late varieties, you can achieve months of spectacular camellia blooms to brighten up your garden from fall through spring!
The camellia blooming season spans fall, winter, and spring. Sasanquas bloom first in fall while japonicas flower in winter into spring. Selecting a diversity of varieties extends the bloom period. Blooms last longer in mild winter climates. Proper planting site, care, and maintenance will maximize camellia flowers. What’s your favorite camellia variety? Let us know in the comments!
Are camellias deer resistant?
Mature plants are not usually on the preferred menu of deer, although sometimes young plants will suffer damage. For this reason, you may wish to protect your newly planted camellias with some type of barrier. Keep in mind that no plant is completely safe from harm if other food sources are not available. Additionally, deer in some regions may graze on them, while in other regions they will leave them untouched. Learn more about deer-resistant plants.
They are not poisonous, making them safe garden plants for your children and pets. In fact, the leaves of Camellia sinensis are used to make tea. However, if eaten in large quantities, the plant’s caffeine content could cause problems such as elevated heart rate. For more safe plant choices, see 20 Common Plants Safe for Cats & Dogs.
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Just Chill™ Double Mauve camellia. Photo by: Proven Winners
Camellias have been prized possessions of gardeners for decades. They thrive in mild climates from California to Florida and are available in thousands of cultivars. These broadleaved evergreen shrubs have durable, glossy foliage and gorgeous flowers. The most common species of camellias are Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua.
On this page:
7-10, for most varieties
Most shrubs reach a height between 6 and 12 feet, and just about as wide.
Partial shade to full shade. Most prefer dappled light, but a few varieties need (or tolerate) more sun than others. In general, red-flowered varieties can withstand more sun than white varieties.
Different varieties of camellias bloom from late fall to mid-spring:
- C. sasanqua tends to bloom earlier, mid-fall to early winter
- C. japonica blooms from mid-winter to spring
- Hybrid bloom times will vary depending on variety
Stagger plantings of early, mid- and late varieties and you can have flowers from November through April or May.
Why is My Camellia Plant not Flowering?
FAQ
How do you keep camellias blooming?
Water evenly to keep the soil moist but never soggy. Camellias don’t like wet feet, so be sure the soil drains well. Too much shade may be the cause when camellias won’t bloom. Ideally, camellias should be planted where they receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade or filtered sunlight throughout the day.
Do camellias bloom all summer?
Blooming prodigiously for weeks, some camellia varieties enjoy an extraordinarily long blooming season extending from November to April in the northern hemisphere or from April to September in the southern hemisphere.
Do camellias bloom more than once?
individual plants may flower for 2 or 3 months and a camellia garden planted with several varieties can eas- ily provide luscious blooms for 5 or more months, even in our northern climate.
Why do the buds fall off my camellia?
Low winter temperatures can also cause the flower buds to turn brown and fall without opening – protect sensitive cultivars with horticultural fleece.