Camellia Flowers

The flowers of camellias are classified into six categories, which are further subdivided, depending on the shape or scale of the flower. Closest to the wild ancestors of our garden camellias are single and semi-double flowers with one or more rows of petals, a conspicuous burst of stamens and all the charm of forest wildflowers. In other flower types, most or all of the stamens have been converted through breeding to petals or similar, smaller structures called petaloids. These double-flowered varieties include most of the old favorites. Highly symmetrical formal doubles feature many rows of neatly overlapping petals and never show stamens. Anemone-form flowers have large outer petals lying more or less flat and a pretty cluster of mixed petaloids and stamens in the center. Peony forms may be "loose" or "full," while rose-form doubles have rows of overlapping petals that open to let stamens peek out.

Landscape Uses

Perhaps the secret of the camellia's appeal is how the plants relate to our homes. Rather than standing out in full sun like a bed of roses, camellias love dappled shade and appreciate the shelter of our walls and trees, repaying our care with abundant flowers and a handsome evergreen habit. An entryway planting of 'Yuletide' festooned with scarlet flowers to greet visitors, or a graceful group of 'Mine-No-Yuki' (or 'White Doves') under a bay window reflect the combination of charm and dependability that underlies the camellia's popularity.

Above all, camellias are outstanding specimen plants that bear scrutiny in all seasons and from all angles. Whether in the ground, in containers or trained as espaliers, camellias are handsome enough even out of bloom to fill the role of permanent focal point in the garden

In the prime camellia territory of the Pacific Coast and the mildest parts of the Southeast, camellias are among the most popular shrubs for foundation plantings, especially along north- and east-facing walls. In colder areas, the desiccating effects of the morning sun in winter make north and west exposures a safer choice. Plant several specimens of a single upright variety to give a pleasing uniform foliage quality.

Woodland gardens most closely resemble the native habitats of camellias. The plants appreciate the shade and protection from wind afforded by large trees, and the acidic, water-conserving mulch of oak leaves and pine needles is just to their liking. Camellias of upright form are especially handsome in contrast to spreading, rounded forms of azaleas and rhododendrons.

Camellias also perform well as hedge and ground cover plants. With their dense evergreen foliage and moderate growth rate, japonicas and sasanquas have always been popular subjects for informally pruned and formal clipped hedges. The fine texture of 'Yuletide' and other smaller-leaved sasanquas make them especially suitable. Many members of the sasanqua group are also superior knee-high ground cover plants, including some that take full sun, such as 'Showa Supreme' and 'Tanya'.

Finally, camellias are unexcelled container plants. They don't mind being crowded for a few years; in fact, a slow up-potting schedule suits them best. Wood tubs and boxes are especially good, as they don't dry out as fast as clay pots. Once a camellia has grown into the largest container that is practical, it can remain there permanently if given an occasional root pruning.

Slow-growing varieties such as 'Dorothy James' or 'Commander Mulroy' do particularly well showcased in containers, and container cu is highly recommended for colder areas, where camellias can be grown in greenhouses. Camellias are premiere plants for dwarfing in the bonsai style, as attested by centuries-old specimens in Asia.

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