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). Essentially, gardeners can raise camellias in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and in most coastal cities along the East Coast. Blooms measure 3-5 inches across with yellow stamens in the floral centers. 

Depending on variety, flowering may last for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Sudden drops of temperatures may injure blooms currently opened and those due to open a few days; hence, flowers in tight bud often survive, swell, and open. Color choices include shades of red, pink, lavender, white and even multi-colored. Varieties vary in size, from 8 -15 feet in height and 6 – 10 feet in spread. Spring pruning can alter plant dimensions.

Camellia likes a well-drained, mildly acidic soil along with adequate soil moisture. In northern areas grow shrubs in a partially sunny location 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. Prune camellias after seasonal blooming is over or in mid-spring. 

Shishi Gashira camellia is an outstanding flowering shrub. Looks-wise, in leaf and flowering, this camellia mimics our Sasanqua camellias, but is actually Camellia hiemalis. It has a mature compact height of only three feet. and is an ideal choice for smaller landscapes. Foliage is highly glossy and leathery along with gorgeous semi-double, rose-pink blooms. Shishi Gashira is a winter bloomer with great cold tolerance.

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

Reward yourself by planting two or more camellia in your garden to flower during the transition period 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), ‘Cleopatra’ (soft pink).

Mid-March/April Bloomers: ‘Pink Icicle’ (shell pink), ‘April Tryst’ (deep red), and ‘April Remembered’ (pale pink-large flower), ‘April Rose’ (deep rose pink).s