172 gardener saves
Camellia: the varieties gardeners actually grow
We track 59 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Camellia varieties
Of 59 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedKramer's Supreme Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Kramer's Supreme'
#2 most savedSea Foam Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Sea Foam'
#3 most savedSetsugekka Camellia
Camellia sasanqua 'Setsugekka'
Classic Pink Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Classic Pink'
Early Wonder Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Early Autumn'
Early Wonder Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Early Wonder'
Nuccio's Gem Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Nuccio'S Gem'
High Fragrance Camellia
Camellia 'High Fragrance'
April Dawn Hybrid Camellia
Camellia 'April Dawn'
Jerry Hill Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Jerry Hill'
Winter's Star Camellia
Camellia 'Winter's Star Camellia'
Victory White Japanese Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Victory White'
Browse all 59 Camellia varieties →
How to grow Camellia
What the Camellia varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Camellia year
- PruneMay100% of varieties
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to shape the shrub.
- FertilizeMarch and June100% of varieties
Use acid-specific fertilizer after bloom and again mid-summer.
- MulchApril, October and November95% of varieties
Apply 2-3 inches of mulch to keep roots cool and conserve moisture.
- PlantMarch, September and October68% of varieties
Plant in spring after flowering or in early fall.
- Check for PestsApril–July50% of varieties
Inspect undersides of leaves for tea scale and new growth for aphids.
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells in summer and fall.
- Use an acid-based fertilizer formulated for camellias or azaleas.
- Mulch annually to protect roots, conserve moisture, and suppress weeds.
- Prune immediately after flowering to shape the plant and encourage bushiness.
- Use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.
Avoid
- Avoid planting in direct, hot afternoon sun which can scorch leaves.
- Never pile mulch directly against the trunk, as it can cause rot.
- Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soil.
- Do not fertilize in the late fall, as this can encourage tender new growth.
What goes wrong with Camellia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Tea Scale | Yellow splotches on upper leaf surfaces; white or brown crusty patches on undersides. | Apply horticultural oil in early spring to smother overwintering pests. Systemic insecticides can be used for heavy infestations. |
| Aphids | Distorted new growth and sticky honeydew | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Scale insects | Sticky residue and yellowing leaves | Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves, stippled or bronzed appearance on foliage. | Spray forcefully with water to dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, ensuring good coverage. |
| Petal Blight | Small, brown, irregular spots on petals that quickly enlarge, causing the entire flower to rot. | Remove and destroy all infected flowers. Replace old mulch under the plant. Apply a preventative fungicide before buds open. |
| Root Rot | Stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and plant death, caused by poorly drained soil. | Prevention is key. Plant in well-drained soil or raised beds. There is no chemical cure. |
| Camellia petal blight | Brown spots on petals, flowers drop prematurely | Remove infected flowers and apply fungicide |
Making more Camellia
Semi-hardwood Cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings from the current season's growth in late summer.
- Remove all but the top two leaves.
- Dip the base in rooting hormone.
- Stick in a well-drained medium and keep humid; roots form in 2-3 months.
Semi-ripe cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings in late summer from current season's growth.
- Remove lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone.
- Insert into a mix of sand and peat.
- Keep moist and humid; rooting takes 2-3 months.
Camellia questions
How many types of Camellia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 59 distinct Camellia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 172 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Camellia grow in?
Across its varieties, Camellia covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Camellia bloom?
Most Camellia varieties bloom in early spring, late winter to early spring, mid-fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Camellia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
More on Camellia
Camellia shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Camellia in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
