Camellia japonica: varieties & other camellia species

The Camellia japonica is the queen of every garden. We will show you the most beautiful Camellia japonica varieties and other popular camellia species.

Those originally from the Far East Camellias (Camellia) are an absolute eye-catcher in every garden. In the beginning they were not cultivated as ornamental plants, but grown for the production of black and green tea and are therefore still part of the tea family today (Theaceae). Despite its origins as a useful plant, the camellia has also become a fixture in our gardens at home, with the species Camellia japonica dominating in particular. We present the most beautiful varieties of the species Camellia japonica and give you an insight into other camellia species.

Camellia japonica: characteristics and origin

The Camellia japonica is the best known of all camellia species. It impresses with its unbelievable splendor of flowers, which appear early in the year. While the camellia blooms outdoors between February and April, a large part of the garden is still in deep hibernation. This is one reason why the camellia was one of the most frequently drawn plant motifs in ancient Japan and China. Most of the camellias that we offer belong to the species Camellia japonica and can even bloom in December if kept in pots.

In addition to the lush flowers, the camellia also impresses optically with its leathery, glossy leaves. The name "camellia" was given to the plant in the 18th century. Century. It is named after the Jesuit priest Georg Kamel, who introduced it to England in 1740. The oldest specimen, however, is in Portugal and is said to be around 470 years old. With the right care, a camellia can reach a handsome age at which it will by far outlive any passionate gardener.

Camellia japonica: The 50 most beautiful varieties

Several hundred Camellia japonica varieties and hybrid varieties are known today. A small part of it can be bought in any well-stocked specialist shop, while other varieties are only available from the growers themselves. Here we give an overview of the most famous varieties.

• Adolphe Audusson: Glowing red flowers with yellow stamens from January to March; Growth height up to 1.5 m; hardy to -18 ° C
• April Dawn: White flowers with pink flecks from February to April; Growth height up to 2 m; hardy to -20 ° C
• April Kiss: Bright pink flowers from October to January; Growth height up to 3 m; hardy to -18 ° C
• April Rose: Bright pink flowers from February to April; Growth height up to 2.4 m; hardy to -20 ° C
• April Snow: White flowers with yellow stamens in April; Growth height up to 2.4 m; hardy to -24 ° C
• April Tryst: Red flowers in April; Growth height up to 2.4 m; hardy to -28 ° C
  

• Alba Plena: Innocent white flowers from October to January; Growth height up to 2.4 m; hardy to -18 ° C
• Alba Simplex: Pure white flowers from February to March; Growth height up to 1.7 m; hardy to -18 ° C
• Angela Cocchi: White flowers with red markings from February to May; hardy to -15 ° C
• Australis: Bright pink flowers from January to March; Growth height up to 2.4 m; hardy to -18 ° C
• Ave Maria: Soft pink flowers from October to March; Growth height up to 3.6 m; hardy to -18 ° C
• Black Lace: Velvety, dark red, densely filled flowers from February to May; triangular petals; very good winter hardiness down to -21 ° C; well branched; flowery; Growth height up to 2 m
• Blood of China: Fragrant flowers from February to April; Growth height up to 2.5 m; hardy to -18 ° C
• Bob Hope: Cherry red flowers with yellow stamens from January to March; Growth height up to 2.4 m; hardy to -18 ° C
• Bob’s Tinsie: Cherry red flowers from February to April; Growth height up to 2.5 m; hardy to -28 ° C
• Bonomiana Nova: Pink flowers from February to April; Growth height up to 2 m; hardy to -12 ° C
• Brushfield’s Yellow: White flowers with a yellow center from February to May; Growth height up to 2 m; hardy to -18 ° C

• Commander Mulroy: White flowers from March to April; Growth height up to 2.5 m; hardy to -15 ° C
• Comte de Gomer: Soft pink flowers with pink stripes from March to May; Growth height up to 3 m; hardy to -15 ° C
• Coquettii: Deep pink flowers from February to May; Growth height up to 1.5 m; hardy to -18 ° C
• Curly Lady: Red flowers from March to April; with twisted shoots; Growth height up to 2.5 m; hardy to -12 ° C
• Daikagura: Pink-white marbled flowers from February to March; Growth height up to 3 m; hardy to -12 ° C
• Debbie: Bright pink flowers from February to April; Growth height up to 2.5 m; hardy to -12 ° C
• Desire: White-pink flowers with a pink border from February to April; Growth height up to 3 m; hardy to -12 ° C

• Dixie Knight: Intense pink flowers from January to March; Growth height up to 2.5 m; hardy to -12 ° C
• Dr. Burnside: Red flowers from February to April; Growth height up to 0.8 m; hardy to -12 ° C
• Dr. King: Red flowers from January to March; Growth height up to 2 m; hardy to -12 ° C
• Dr. Tinsley: Light pink flowers that turn pink towards the edge; Flowering from February to March; Growth height up to 2.5 m; hardy to -15 ° C
• Drama girl: Flowers in dark salmon pink from January to May; Growth height up to 3 m; hardy to -12 ° C
• Elegans: Dark pink flowers from December to May; Growth height up to 3 m; hardy to -12 ° C
• Eugenia de Montijo: Fiery red flowers in winter; Growth height up to 3 m; hardy to -18 ° C

• Flame: Strong, light red flowers; Flowering outdoors from mid-January to April; hardy to -20 ° C
• Fleur de Pecher: Semi-double, pale pink flowers from March to May; Growth height up to 1.2 m; hardy to -14 ° C
• General Coletti: Red and white marbled flowers from March to April; Growth height up to 2.5 m; hardy with winter protection
• Golden Anniversary: Shimmering golden yellow, white flowers from March to April; Growth height up to 1.5 m; hardy to -15 ° C
• Grace Albritton: Light pink flowers with a dark pink border from February to March; Growth height up to 3 m; hardy to -12 ° C
• Greensboro Red: Dark red flowers from March to April; Growth height up to 2.5 m; hardy to -12 ° C
• Hawai: Pink flowers with a white fringed border from February to May; hardy to -15 ° C
• Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: Salmon pink flowers
• Hagoromo / Magnoliiflora: Light pink flowers from February to April; Growth height up to 3 m; hardy to -15 ° C

• Imbricata rubra: Double, light red flowers with white pattern from February to May; Growth height up to 1.5 m; Winter hardy to -15 ° C
• Italiana: Pink flowers from March to April; Growth height up to 1.5 m; hardy
• Janet Waterhouse: White, medium-sized, semi-double flowers with yellow stamens from March to May; elongated, glossy dark green foliage
• Jupiter: Salmon colored flower; partially white polka dots; yellow stamens; evergreen leaves with slightly rounded edges; hardy
• Lady Campbell: Strong red flowers; fluffy, slightly intertwined arrangement of the petals; Growth height up to 2 m; hardy
• Lavinia Maggi: Baby pink flowers with pink stripes from February to May; Growth height up to 2.4 m; hardy to -18 ° C
• Matterhorn: Double, white flowers with a pastel yellow center from February to May; low height; hardy to -20 ° C
• Charley Cobb: Dull red flowers from March to May; Growth height up to 0.8 m; not hardy
• Oki no nami: Light pink flowers with red speckles and stripes from February to April; hardy to -20 ° C

Other species of camellia

There are a total of ten Camellia species, with the species Camellia japonica often being mentioned as a representative of the entire genus. We present some other exotic species below and explain their peculiarities.

Camellia sasanqua (Scented camellia)

A large number of varieties are also available; Flowering in autumn (from October); Flowers exude a delicate fragrance and tolerate a lot of sun; not hardy.

• Beatrice Emily: Double, white flowers with a pink border from December
• Betty Lynda: White flowers and pink buds from October
• Dwarf Shishi: Red flowers from December
• Gay: White flowers from September
• Early pearly: Double, white flowers from October
• Koto No Kaori: Pink flowers
• Mariotti Bacchi: Semi-double, pink flowers
• New Dawn: Pink flowers from October
• Plantation Pink: Candy pink flowers from October
• Rubra: Bright pink flowers from December

Camellia x williamsii

The first camellia hybrids were created by crossing Camellia japonica and Camellia saluenensis; good winter hardiness; grow very upright in sunny to partially shaded locations.

• Anticipation: Bright red flowers from February to May; hardy to -18 ° C
• Blue Danube: Blue-pink flowers from March to May
• Donation: Pink flowers with a lighter edge from January to March; Growth height up to 4.5 m; hardy to -12 ° C
• G. Waterhouse: Pink flowers from February to April; hardy to -15 ° C
• Elegant beauty: Pink flowers from March to May; hardy to -20 ° C
• Elsie jury: Light pink flowers from March to May
• Jury’s Yellow: Double, white flowers with a yellow center from February to May; Growth height up to 4 m; hardy to -18 ° C
• Mary Christian: Pink flowers from February to April; hardy to -18 ° C
• Ruby Wedding: Red flowers from March to April
• Water Lily: Porcelain pink flowers from February to April; hardy to -18 ° C

Camellia lutchuensis

Very sweet-smelling, white flowers in late winter through to spring; native to Asia; Sun to partial shade; hardy to -12 ° C

• High fragrance: Soft pink flowers from March to April; Growth height up to 3.5 m; hardy to -12 ° C
• Cinnamon Cindy: White flowers from November to April
• Scented bells: Pink flowers from February to May; hardy to -10 ° C
• Sweet Emily Kate: Pale pink flowers from March to May

Camellia petelotii

Native to Vietnam and China; Height of growth 1 - 1.5 m; flowers in pairs in mostly light colors and with few petals; stem-like leaves

Camellia saluensis

Native to china; shrub-like habit with a height of up to 2 m; Flowering time in late spring; Flower colors vary from white to pink to deep red; solitary, often two-colored flowers

• Barbara Clark: Semi-double, pink flowers from February to May; hardy to -18 ° C
• Louis Polizzi: Soft pink flowers from March to May; not hardy

Camellia sinensis (Chinese camellia)

Originally grown to make green and black tea; nevertheless high ornamental value; one of the oldest cultivated species with innumerable varieties.

Camellia varieties for planting in the bed

Some camellia varieties are particularly robust against low temperatures and can therefore be planted in the garden in the bed in the right place and with proper protection in winter. These ten colorful varieties also bloom in the bed:

• Adolphe Audusson: Semi-double red flowers with white speckles from February to May
• Black Lace: Dark red, double flowers from March to April
• Debbie: Pink, double flowers from February to April
• Hagoromo: Light pink flowers from February to April
• April Dawn: Pink-white flowers with bright pink stripes from February to April
• Matterhorn: White, double flowers from February to May
• Mikuni-no-homare: Soft pink flowers with pink grain
• Spring Festival: Salmon pink flowers from February to April
• Wheeler: Dark pink, semi-double flowers from February to April
• Winter’s star: Red-purple flowers from October to November

The best camellia varieties that with the right protection can survive the winter outdoors can be found in our article on the subject Camellias overwinter.

tip: In addition to the variety, the supply of nutrients is an important prerequisite for magnificent camellia flowers. It is best to use a predominantly organic organic fertilizer such as our Plantura Organic universal fertilizer with long-term effect.