My three favorite camellia bushes save their fireworks for the dead of winter. It is indeed a very special treat when these glossy-leaved shrubs start blooming. These beautiful plants originated in China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Whats not to love about these wonderful flowers…Evergreen Flowering Winter Schrub that grow into small trees. Some varities are blooming in December on thru March. On into the early Spring the blooms are opening slowly, and can really be enjoyed. The formal double rose-red flowers are produced in late spring (the end of March through April) and are quite heat tolerant. They like asid soil and planty of rain, in well drained soil. Places like in the Southern Appalachian Mountains would be a great place for them. The dark glossy leaves have deeply indented veins and make the plant handsome all year long. A mostly shade tolerant plant, grown in the south. (Portland, OR: Timber Press, 1998) would be a good source to consult for information on shade-tolerant varieties. Some white varieties that do well in Zone 7 are ‘Imura,’ ‘Snow Chan,’ ‘White Empress,’ ‘Leucantha,’ ‘Victory White’, and ‘Coronation.’
My first one I used as a house plant. There are a Camilea Society. These beautiful plants make an impact to any garden. Private Gourley Garden, TN / my garden habitat in the Great Smoky Mountains. USA