Camellias

Camellias have been a part of the southern landscape for almost 200 years. They are native to the Orient and were introduced into the U.S. near Charleston, South Carolina in 1786. The common name camellia refers to varieties and hybrids of Camellia japonica and to the less known varieties of C. sasanqua and C. reticulate.

Camellias can serve several functions in the landscape including foundation plantings, screens, accent plants, background groupings and hedges. Maximum benefit can be achieved by mass plantings or groupings.

Camellias flower in the fall and winter when their display of colorful blooms is most appreciated. During the remainder of the year their evergreen foliage, interesting shapes and textures, and relatively slow growth make camellias excellent landscape plants.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Camellias Camellia sasanqua
• Landscape Plants: Camellia oleifera Tea-Oil Camellia

UF/IFAS Publications

• Camellia Pests and Diseases (PDF)
• Camellias in Florida
• Camellia japonica (PDF)
• Camellia oleifera: Tea-Oil Camellia
• Horticulture News: Camellias (PDF)
• Sasanquas Usher in Camellia Season (PDF)
• Sudden Oak Death
• Tea Growing in the Home Landscape

Other Sites

• American Camellia Society
• Camellias--Clemson Extension
• Camellias--Virginia Cooperative Extension
• Camellia Culture for Home Gardeners--University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Services
• Camellias for Texas Gardens--Texas Agricultural Extension Service
• The Culture of Camellias: The State Flower of Alabama--Auburn University
• International Camellia Society

 

• The camellia was featured as a "Plant of the Month." See the other featured plants.