In the Southern U.S., camellias are treasured for their showy flowers in the fall-winter landscape. Their glossy evergreen foliage looks great all year long. Hardy varieties are now available for zone 6 northern gardens (-10 to 0 °F). This means that gardeners in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and most coastal cities in Eastern U.S. can grow camellias. Blooms measure 3-5 inches across with yellow stamens centers. 

Depending on variety, flowering may last 4 to 6 weeks. Short periods of freezing temperatures can burn the blooms currently opened and those scheduled to open within a few days, but buds tightly closed may survive, swell, and open. Color choices include shades of red, pink, lavender, white and multi-colored flowers. Varieties vary in size, from 8 feet to 15 feet in height and 6 feet to 10 feet in spread. Annual spring pruning can alter plant dimensions.

Camellias like well-drained, mildly acidic soils along with adequate soil moisture. In northern areas grow shrubs in a partially sunny site or one with full morning sun and afternoon shade. Established camellias are moderately drought tolerant; irrigate during prolong dry spells in summer and fall. Fertilize camellias in early spring with a product labeled for acid-loving shrubs.

Modern day hardy camellias are interspecific crosses between C. oleifera, C. sasanqua, C. hiemalis, C. japonica, and C. vernalis. Camellias start blooming in early fall into very early winter and a second flowering period in March and April. Petals are shed and require no dead-heading. In northerly climes, zone 6 hardy camellias are planted and mulched anytime from early spring up to Labor Day (and no later).

Reward yourself by planting two or more camellias in your garden to flower during the transition periods in early fall and in late winter when temperatures are seasonally mild. Here are some favorites:

Fall Bloomers: ‘Snow Flurry’ (white), ‘Autumn Pink Icicle’ (clear pink), ‘Sweet October’ (white/pink tinge), ‘Winter’s Joy’ (pink double), and ‘Long Island Pink’ (light pink).

Mid-March/April Bloomers: ‘Pink Icicle’ (shell pink), ‘April Tryst’ (deep red), ‘April Remembered’ (4.5 in. wide (11 cm), semi-double pale pink-large flower), ‘April Rose’ (deep rose pink).