Camellias are evergreen shrubs or small trees with attractive glossy foliage. They originate from subtropical regions of China, Japan and neighboring countries. They are known for their dramatic blooms during the off-season – autumn, winter, or early spring, depending on the cultivar and climate.

Typically, camellias have been grown only in the southern United States, but more recently, the development of cold-hardy cultivars has extended their potential growing range considerably.

Hardiness

Several camellia cultivars have been developed that are hardy to zone 6. A select few, such as those developed by Dr. William Ackerman at the National Arboretum, are hardy to -15°F, and may be worth trying in zone 5.

Camellia ‘Snow Flurry’

The Hardiest Camellias

• Camellia japonica
  A spring-blooming camellia. Cultivars hardy to zone 6b: “April Series” (‘April Dawn’, ‘April Kiss’, ‘April Blush’, etc.), ‘Betty Sette’, ‘Frost Queen’, ‘Jerry Hill’, ‘Pink Icicle’, ‘Red Aurora’, ‘Red Jade’, ‘Spring’s Promise’, ‘Bernice Boddie’.
• Camellia oleifera
  Tea-oil camellia, hardy to zone 6. Often used to hybridize with camellias with showier flowers.
• Camellia oleifera Hybrids
  Ackerman Hybrids
  Developed by Dr. William Ackerman at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. Hardy to zone 6, some selections possibly to zone 5. Named cultivars: ‘Ashton’s Pride’, ‘Frost Prince’, ‘Lushan Snow’, ‘Pink Icicle’, ‘Polar Ice’, ‘Snow Flurry’, “Winter Series” (‘Winter’s Beauty’, ‘Winter’s Charm’, ‘Winter’s Dream’, etc.).
• Camellia Forest Hybrids
  Developed by Camellia Forest, hardy to zone 6. Named cultivars: ‘Mason Farm’, ‘Survivor’, ‘Twilight Glow’.
• Camellia sinensis var. sinensis
  A small-leaf tea camellia, hardy to zone 6. Originally grown from seeds collected in Korea where it was growing in the wild; it had probably escaped from cultivation. This variety is vigorous and grows as a shrub, 6 to 8 ft. tall.

Winter Protection

Site camellias to protect from cold, drying winds. Make sure the plant is heavily mulched around the base; small plants can be completely covered with a loose, non-compacting mulch. Application of an antidessicant spray such as Wilt-Pruf® will reduce moisture loss during the winter.

Growing Tips

Camellias prefer light shade when young. Growing in well-drained, organic soils is essential. Camellias prefer slightly acidic soil, but do not amend the soil to be too acidic or overfertilized.