Camellia Play pronunciation

The genus Camellia is native to tropical and subtropical Asia and has over 200 accepted species. These impressive evergreen shrubs are very popular for shaded gardens and borders. Depending on the species, they grow upright or spreading, 2 to 20 feet tall and 2 to 10 feet wide. Their dense habit and the attractive, glossy, dark green foliage provide privacy and screening. The rose-like flower forms, vibrant colors, and various blooming seasons will add interest to your home landscape. The genus Camellia was named in honor of Georg Joseph Camel, a Jesuit missionary in the Philippines, who had a special interest in plants native to the Orient. This genus is a member of the tea family (Theaceae).

Camellias thrive in partial shade. It is recommended to avoid sites that receive early morning sun or hot afternoon sun. A sheltered location is needed to protect the plants from cold, dry winds that can damage the flower buds and blooms. These shrubs are hardy in zones 6 to 9. The soil should be moist, well-drained, slightly acidic, organically rich, and loamy. They don't tolerate drought, and do not require fertilizing. If pruning is necessary, prune the stems back to last year's growth soon after blooming is finished to avoid removing next year's buds. Pick up spent blooms and replace the mulch regularly to prevent disease. Best planted from November to February, to establish the shrub before the summer heat sets in. Propagated by stem cuttings, hardwood cuttings, layering, or grafting.

The Japanese and sasanqua camellia are frequently found in North Carolina gardens, and many cultivars are available in a variety of colors. Species such as C. transarisanensis and C. lutchuensis are less well-known and have smaller flowers and leaves. Camellia oleifera is known as the tea oil camellia, and its seeds are used for making oil. The Camellia sinensis is the tea camellia, and tea can be made with its leaves. Some of the species are more tolerant of cooler temperatures or have a more elegant habit. 

Depending on the species, this flowering evergreen shrub, has various growth habits, flower sizes, bloom colors, and seasons of interest. Select the species, based on its mature size, that will be adaptable to your landscape. These shrubs make a wonderful addition to your garden, used as a border or foundation planting, in a shaded garden, as a container plant, or accent. New cultivars are always being introduced.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for tea scale, aphids, planthoppers, and spider mites. Camellias are susceptible to viruses and fungal diseases. Monitor for leaf spot, anthracnose, black mold, petal blight, leaf gall, bud gall, canker, dieback, and root rot. Root rot from poor soil drainage and petal blight can be fatal. If petal blight is suspected (brownish, rust-colored spots on the flowers), the infected portion must be removed. Tool sanitation is important to help prevent the spread of fungal disease. Chlorosis causes yellowing of the leaves and is best treated by adding iron to the soil. 

For further information, the Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common camellia diseases and insect pests.