Camellias span several species and hybrids, with differences in bloom season, flower form, size, and growth habit. The 17 named plants below are examples from the University of Florida IFAS Extension’s list for Florida landscapes—not a universal ranking. Before choosing one, check its local hardiness, growing needs, and availability from a regional nursery.
How camellia groups differ
Bloom timing is a useful first filter, but it varies by species, cultivar, and climate. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) places Camellia sasanqua and related types mainly in autumn and winter, and C. japonica and many × williamsii hybrids in late winter and early spring. UF/IFAS classifies the sasanqua, hiemalis, and vernalis examples in its Florida table as early flowering. The International Camellia Society describes sasanquas as autumn-flowering and generally more tolerant of full sun and hot weather than the usual shade-associated camellias.
Camellia reticulata and its hybrids are another option, represented here by a large-flowered cultivar. Regional conditions matter: Florida landscape advice does not automatically apply elsewhere, and RHS hardiness guidance is specific to the UK.
17 camellia varieties to compare
These selections and their descriptions come from UF/IFAS’s table of reliable camellia varieties for Florida landscapes. Season labels reflect that table’s early, midseason, or late descriptions. Flower form follows the source’s terminology; names and availability can vary among regions and suppliers, so confirm the plant label before buying.
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- PREMIUM NURSERY GROWN: Arrives established with healthy root development to help your plant thrive. We cannot ship our plants to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, or WY. All orders to these states will be automatically cancelled
- STUNNING WINTER BLOOMS: Rich, velvety red flowers from mid to late winter, bringing beautiful color to your landscape when many other plants aren't blooming
- YEAR-ROUND BEAUTY: Glossy green foliage provide lasting structure and color well beyond the flowering season
- IDEAL GROWTH CONDITIONS: Grows best in USDA Zones 7-9 and thrives with morning sun and afternoon shade. For best results, plant in acidic, moist, well-drained soil
- READY FOR PLANTING: Grows into a dense, upright shrub approximately 7' tall and 4' wide, making it a beautiful choice for elegant landscaping, hedging, or privacy planting
| Variety and group | Flowers and season | Habit and notes |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Alba Plena’ (japonica) | White, medium-to-large formal double; early | Dense, slow-growing; UF/IFAS says best for north Florida |
| ‘Carter’s Sunburst’ (japonica) | Deep-pink to variegated double; early to late | Spreading, medium growth |
| ‘Charlie Bettes’ (japonica) | White, large-to-very-large semi-double with deep-yellow stamens; early | Compact and vigorous |
| ‘Debutante’ (japonica) | Light-pink, full peony form; early to midseason | Upright and vigorous; young plants may be prone to leaf drop |
| ‘Delores Edwards’ (japonica hybrid) | Light-orchid-pink; semi-double to anemone or peony form; early to midseason | Upright |
| ‘Early Autumn’ (japonica) | Lavender-rose formal double; early to midseason | Upright; UF/IFAS calls it one of the earliest camellias to bloom |
| ‘Gigantea’ (japonica) | Red marbled with white; large-to-very-large, semi-double to anemone or peony form; midseason | Open and vigorous; can be hard to find |
| ‘High Fragrance’ (japonica) | Ivory-pink edged in rose; medium peony form; midseason | Open and vigorous; very fragrant |
| ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ (japonica) | Red, large-to-very-large full peony; midseason | Compact, upright, and vigorous; noted as fragrant |
| ‘Lady Clare’ (japonica) | Dark-pink, large semi-double; early to midseason | Dense and vigorous; described by UF/IFAS as an old classic and durable |
| ‘Mathotiana’ (japonica) | Red, large-to-very-large rose-form double; midseason to late | Compact, upright, and vigorous; flower forms and colors can vary under this name |
| ‘Pink Perfection’ (japonica) | Shell-pink, small formal double; early to late | Upright and vigorous; can be difficult to establish |
| ‘Professor Sargent’ (japonica) | Red, medium full peony; midseason | Compact and upright; UF/IFAS notes it withstands direct sun in Florida |
| ‘Sea Foam’ (japonica) | White, medium-to-large formal double; late | Upright and vigorous; UF/IFAS describes it as a substitute for ‘Alba Plena’ in central Florida |
| ‘Dr. Clifford Parks’ (reticulata) | Red, very large semi-double to peony form; midseason to late | Upright; described as a good performer in UF/IFAS’s Florida context |
| ‘Kanjiro’ (sasanqua/hiemalis/vernalis group) | Rose-colored, small-to-medium semi-double; early | Upright and vigorous; noted for use as a cut flower |
| ‘Shishi-gashira’ (sasanqua/hiemalis/vernalis group) | Red, small semi-double to rose-form double; early | Dwarf; identified by UF/IFAS as a container choice for smaller gardens |
What to compare before choosing
Flower form, color, and size
Color alone does not distinguish cultivars. The RHS recognizes six camellia flower forms: single, semi-double, anemone, peony, rose, and formal double. The examples above range from small formal doubles to very large semi-doubles and peony forms, as well as white, pink, red, lavender-rose, and variegated flowers.
Season and local climate
Use the broad flowering season of a group as a starting point, then check cultivar-specific timing with a local grower or extension service. Climate affects flowering and performance, so the Florida season labels should not be treated as dates for other regions.
Rank #2
- PREMIUM NURSERY GROWN: Arrives established with healthy root development to help your plant thrive. We cannot ship our plants to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, or WY. All orders to these states will be automatically cancelled
- RICH RED BLOOMS: Small orange-red single flowers with golden stamens create seasonal color during fall
- YEAR-ROUND BEAUTY: Glossy green foliage provide lasting structure and color well beyond the flowering season
- IDEAL GROWTH CONDITIONS: Grows best in USDA Zones 7-10 and thrives with morning sun and afternoon shade. For best results, plant in acidic, moist, well-drained soil
- READY FOR PLANTING: Grows into a compact, upright shrub approximately 6' tall and 4' wide, making it a beautiful choice for elegant landscaping, hedging, foundation planting, or specimen gardens
Mature habit and intended space
Descriptions in the UF/IFAS list include compact, dwarf, dense, upright, spreading, and open plants. Check the expected mature size for the plant being sold, particularly if you need a container specimen or have limited garden space; the table’s habit terms do not give a universal mature measurement.
Site and care basics
Light, shelter, and soil
Most camellias prefer partial or dappled shade and a sheltered position away from cold winds. Sasanquas generally tolerate sunnier conditions. Camellias thrive in acidic soil; the RHS offers a practical rule of thumb: “If you can grow rhododendrons then you’ve got the right soil for camellias.” A soil test can help check pH. UF/IFAS gives pH 5.0–6.5 as its preferred range in its Florida guidance, not as a universal cutoff. Where garden soil is alkaline, container growing in ericaceous compost is an option.
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- PREMIUM NURSERY GROWN: Arrives established with healthy root development to help your plant thrive. We cannot ship our plants to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, or WY. All orders to these states will be automatically cancelled
- UNIQUE STRIPED BLOOMS: White semi-double flowers striped rose pink create seasonal color during spring
- YEAR-ROUND BEAUTY: Glossy green foliage provide lasting structure and color well beyond the flowering season
- IDEAL GROWTH CONDITIONS: Grows best in USDA Zones 7-9 and thrives with morning sun and afternoon shade. For best results, plant in acidic, moist, well-drained soil
- READY FOR PLANTING: Grows into a compact, upright shrub approximately 8' tall and 4' wide, making it a beautiful choice for elegant landscaping, hedging, foundation planting, or specimen gardens
Water and feeding
Keep soil moist but well drained. Water newly planted camellias as needed while they establish, and do not let the soil dry out during summer: plants are forming the next year’s flower buds then. For container plants, the RHS advises feeding with ericaceous fertilizer in early spring and not later than the end of July under its UK guidance.
Pruning and containers
Prune only if needed, and do it after flowering. Flower buds form in summer, so late pruning can remove them; the RHS notes that hard pruning can delay good flowering for a couple of years. Consider winter exposure for container plants: the RHS says container-grown sasanquas need protection in most parts of the UK, and some japonica and × williamsii cultivars may need it in colder parts of the country.
Rank #4
- Cold Hardiness: Exceptionally cold hardy camellia varieties included; Survives winter temperatures in USDA zones 7-10; More cold tolerant than many traditional camellia types
- Ornamental Value: Glossy evergreen foliage provides year-round interest; Large, showy flowers in mixed colors and forms; Creates elegant structure in landscape designs
- Product Quantity: 20+ premium mixed camellia seeds per packet; Carefully selected for optimal viability and genetic diversity; Perfect for starting a collection of these ornamental shrubs
- Bloom Season: Unique winter to spring flowering period; Provides color when few other plants bloom; Long-lasting flowers perfect for cutting
- Growth Habit: Versatile shrubs suitable for borders and containers; Mature heights varying from 4-12 feet depending on variety; Attractive form requires minimal pruning
Check regional suitability before buying
Neither the Florida cultivar table nor UK hardiness guidance establishes that a variety will suit every climate. Ask a local nursery or extension service about cold tolerance, flowering expectations, and site requirements for your area. Confirm the species or hybrid group and cultivar name on the label, especially where names may be used inconsistently, and check that the plant’s mature habit fits your space.
Sources: Royal Horticultural Society, “How to grow camellias”; International Camellia Society, “Growing Sasanquas”; University of Florida IFAS Extension, “CIR461/EP002: Camellias at a Glance”; Missouri Botanical Garden, “Camellias”.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BLOOMING SEASON: Produces stunning red bell-shaped flowers with white edges from autumn through the Christmas season
- GROWTH HABIT: Features an elegant semi-weeping form that adds graceful movement to landscapes
- HYBRID VARIETY: Unique cross between Camellia japonica and sasanqua combines the best characteristics of both parent plants
- CONTAINER SIZE: Comes in a 1-gallon pot, perfect for transplanting into your garden
- LANDSCAPE USE: Ideal as a focal point or accent plant, bringing winter color and architectural interest to gardens
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