Occasionally, gardeners need abit of confidence before purchasing a plant considered not winter hardy where they live. Twenty years ago, growing a camellia was a folly inside the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7), until the Drs. Ackerman and Parks’ introductions appeared. These hardy cultivars have changed the playing field.

Recently, I asked some local camellia “experts”  what one favorite cultivar gardeners should start with.  While none wanted to go on record as picking just one, ‘Pink Icicle’ (pictured) appeared on everyone’s long list. One landscaper stated that he planted ‘Pink Icicle’ in an open full sun garden area of a cemetary ten years ago and all have prospered. 

‘Pink Icicle’ blooms nearly two months in March and April from New York, NY, southward and westward to St. Louis, MO. It sports a  glossy dark green foliage which is better looking than most fall blooming cultivars. Choose a garden location where the camellia is protected from mid-afternoon summer sun and blustery winter winds.

 

The culture of camellias is similar to rhododendrons and azaleas. A camellia established for two or more years in its garden space exhibits above average drought tolerance.