When Do Camelias Bloom?

Camellias are broad-leaved evergreen shrubs that grow up to 12 to 25 feet tall and produce showy, colorful flowers. Camellias grow in hardiness zones 6 through 8. They prefer partial shade and rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. According to the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service, two popular camellia species are Camellia japonica and C. sasanqua; other species include C. oleifera and C. reticulata.

Time Frame

• According to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension, the best time to plant camellias is from mid-October to mid-November and mid-March to mid-April. Camellia varieties bloom from fall through early spring. Early varieties, such as Pink Perfection, bloom in November, and late varieties, such as Betty Scheffield Supreme, bloom in April and May.
  

  Appearance

• Camellia japonica cultivars, such as Pink Perfection, produce single, semi-double, or double white, pink, or red flowers that measure 3 to 5 inches in diameter. Camellia sasanqua cultivars, such as Egoa, usually bear fragrant single white flowers that measure 2 or 3 inches in diameter.
  

  Considerations

• According to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, insufficient watering can cause buds to drop in the summer. Protect camellias from direct sunlight and add 2 or 3 inches of mulch to preserve soil moisture.