Camellias often get a bad rap for being the divas of the shrub world. Sure, they’re not as fast growing as some other bushes and shrubs out there like Wax Myrtles nor are they as hardy and willing to thrive anywhere like Privet or Holly but if you take care of them, they are sure to be worth your while.

I started my Camellia journey about 3 years ago. The previous owners of our home were older retirees who didn’t do much with the part of the yard they couldn’t see. No plants beyond the sightline from the patio, I’m pretty sure was their manta. They were, apparently, excellent at mulching the beds (both full of and without flowers) annually. This made for the most dark, rich, decomposing soil I have seen in a long time. We’re talking I stepped into one bed and my foot sank about an inch into the soil. *Cue the cherubs singing!*

Back in the shady part of our yard where absolutely nothing was growing and a lot of decomposing was taking place, there was one and only one bush that I knew was begging to be planted – CAMELLIA!

When I went to our local Ace to check out the selection, the Master Gardner there warned me “Camellias like the let their roots spread out, need very acidic soil and they don’t like to have their feet constantly wet.” I proudly told him about my very decomposed (read: acidic) back yard and that I was willing to take the plunge.

As I mentioned, 3 years have gone by, 2 Camellia plants have been lost and we have welcomed 4 more. Here are the top 5 reasons I am crazy for Camellias!

1.Camellias are Evergreens

This means that they never lose their beautiful, green, waxy leaves. Those leaves also let you know how your plant is doing; when they are looking a bit droopy, give your plant some water, when you see bright green on the ends, congratulations, your Camellia is growing! If you see some brown on a mostly green leaf, that’s sunburn (yes, it’s a thing) and you may need to relocate your Camellia.

2. Camellias are the first to greet you

After a long, cold winter of nothing but shades of brown and gray, Camellias will be the first to offer a POP of color! Here in Zone 9, my Camellias like to bloom in January (the Japonica species) and continue through April with a break in the hot summer months until it’s time for the Sasanqua species to start their show in the fall. Yes, it’s good to get a mix of both varieties so you can have more bloom time!

3. Camellias LOVE the Shade

Unlike some of their showy friends who thrive in the sun, Camellias live their best lives in shade and dappled sun. I especially love this because I have several places in my yard that are absolute shade, and I can only plant so many gardenias before my yard starts smelling like a perfumery in the spring (love them but that’s a BIG scent). Camellias can take some sun, just be careful because the intense, afternoon sun is what they really have a hard time tolerating.

4. Camellias are Cold Hardy

Most varieties of this shrub can tolerate temperatures at -10F, which is so nice when we get a cold snap here. For the 5 seconds of winter we get, I am feverishly covering my citrus trees, my hibiscus, and my jasmine, so it’s nice to know that this is one bush that I can leave to fend for itself.

5. Their Blooms Make Beautiful Bouquets and Arrangements

Granted, you should definitely wait a few years for your shrub to mature but Camellia flowers are beautiful, elegant and long lasting (over a week in most cases!). The blooms are also quite fragrant and their thick petals are pretty resilient. The Camellia flower inspired many of Coco Chanel’s designs, if it’s good enough for Coco, it’s good enough for me!

One Last Tip

As you are starting your Camellia journey, I recommend Monrovia Nursery. I have tried 3 different nurseries for Camellias and my Monrovia are definitely growing the best (and were not either of our 2 casualties).

Happy Planting!!