Camellia japonica: Varieties & other camellia species

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

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 at all, but cultivated for the production of black and green tea and are therefore still part of the tea family today (Theaceae). Despite its origin as a useful plant, the camellia has become a fixture in our home gardens, with the species Camellia japonica dominating. Here we present the most beautiful varieties of the Camellia japonica species and give you an insight into other camellia species.

Camellia japonica: characteristics and origin

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

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

Camellia japonica: The 50 most beautiful varieties

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

• Adolph Audusson: Bright red flowers with yellow stamens from January to March; growth height up to 1.5 m; hardy to -18 °C
• April Dawn: White flowers speckled with pink from February to April; growth height up to 2 m; hardy to -20 °C
• April Kiss: Vivid pink flowers from October to January; growth height up to 3 m; hardy to -18 °C
• April Rose: Rich 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
• AprilTryst: Red flowers in April; growth height up to 2.4 m; hardy to -28 °C
  

• Alba Plenary: 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 Cochi: White flowers with red markings from February to May; hardy to -15 °C
• Australian: 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; blooming; 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: Pale pink flowers with pink stripe pattern 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: Pale pink flowers turning pink towards the edge; flowering from February to March; growth height up to 2.5 m; hardy to -15 °C
• drama girl: Dark salmon pink flowers 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; flowers outdoors from mid-January to April; hardy to -20 °C
• Fleur de Pecher: Semi-double, soft 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
• hawaiian: Pink flowers with a white, fringed edge from February to May; hardy to -15 °C
• Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: salmon pink flowers
• Hagoromo/Magnoliiflora: Pale pink flowers from February to April; growth height up to 3 m; hardy to -15 °C

• Imbricata Rubra: Double, light red flowers with white markings from February to May; growth height up to 1.5 m; 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 flower with yellow stamens from March to May; oblong, glossy dark green foliage
• Jupiter: salmon-colored flower; partially white speckles; yellow stamens; evergreen leaves with slightly rounded edges; hardy
• Lady Campbell: Bright red flower; fluffy, slightly intertwined arrangement of the petals; growth height up to 2 m; hardy
• Lavinia Maggi: Baby pink flowers streaked with pink from February to May; growth height up to 2.4 m; hardy to -18 °C
• Matterhorn: Full, white flowers with a pastel yellow center from February to May; low growth height; hardy to -20 °C
• Charley Cobb: Dull red flowers from March to May; growth height up to 0.8 m; not hardy
• Okay No Nami: Pale 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 named as representative of the entire genus. We present below some other exotic species and explain their peculiarities.

Camellia sasanqua (Scented Camellia)

Also a large number of varieties available; flowers already in autumn (from October); Flowers emit 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 hardiness; grow very upright in sunny to partially shaded locations.

• anticipation: Light red flowers from February to May; hardy to -18 °C
• BlueDanube: Blue-pink flowers from March to May
• donation: Pink flowers with a lightening 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
• MaryChristian: Pink flowers from February to April; hardy to -18 °C
• RubyWedding: Red flowers from March to April
• water lily: Porcelain pink flowers from February to April; hardy to -18 °C

Camellia lutchuensis

Very sweetly scented white flowers in late winter into 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: Soft pink flowers from March to May

Camellia petelotii

Native to Vietnam and China; growth height 1 - 1.5 m; flowers in pairs, usually light in color and with few petals; stalk shaped leaves

Camellia saluensis

Native to China; shrub-like habit up to 2 m high; flowering time in late spring; Flower colors vary from white to pink to deep red; solitary, often bicolored 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 for green and black tea; nevertheless high decorative value; one of the oldest cultivated species with innumerable cultivars.

Camellia varieties for planting in beds

Some camellia varieties are particularly resilient to low temperatures and can therefore be planted in the right location and with proper protection in the garden in winter in the bed. These ten colorful varieties also flower in beds:

• Adolph 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 striped pattern from February to April
• Matterhorn: White, double flowers from February to May
• Mikuni-no-homare: Pale pink flowers with pink veining
• 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

You can find the best camellia varieties that survive the winter outside with the right protection in our article on the subject Overwintering camellias.

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