Hardiness Zones: Camellias are generally hardy to Zone 7 but new varieties are being introduced hardy in zone 6, especially with winter protection. Open camellia flowers are damaged by frosty temperatures below 15 degrees so plant camellias where plant tissues will thaw out before being exposed to direct sunlight.
Bloom Time & Color: Camellias often bloom during the cool season, varying according to the species. Winter blooms are common, flowers appearing October-March. Blooms on camellias range from pure white to dark red. Some camellia cultivars have multi-colored or variegated flowers! Flowers can be saucer shaped single flowers or double blooms. Peony form camellias have ruffled double blossoms.
Plant Category: Camellias are woody perennials. Most camellia plants are shrub sized but compact cultivars produce camellias suitable for ground cover, raised bed or container planting.