Camellia blooms are so stunning they’re often called the “Rose of Winter.” But unlike your typical garden roses, these beauties don’t show off in the summer heat. If you’re looking for color when the rest of the garden is sleeping, camellias are your best friends.
When Do Camellias Bloom?
The short answer? It depends! With over 30,000 varieties out there, bloom times can vary wildly. Your local climate and where you place your plant in the yard play a huge role, too. That’s why you might see different flowering dates listed for the exact same potted camellia depending on who you ask.
Bloom Times for Camellia japonica (Top Picks)
The *Camellia japonica* is the classic variety most of us picture when we think of these plants. Generally, they brighten up the garden from January through March. However, because there are so many cultivars, some start early and others linger late. Here are a few favorites:
- Camellia japonica “Bob Hope”: Brilliant dark red (starts in Jan/Feb and can go through May)
- Camellia japonica “Debutante”: Soft pale pink (January to April or February to May)
- Camellia japonica “Donation”: (February to March, sometimes starting in January)
- Camellia japonica “Spring Festival”: Pink to salmon-pink (February to May)
- Camellia japonica “Alba Plena”: Pure white (March to April)
- Camellia japonica “Dr. Burnside”: Vibrant red (February to April)
- Camellia japonica “Hagoromo”: Delicate soft pink (March to May)
Bloom Times for Other Camellia Species and Hybrids
If you want color in the fall or early winter, you’ll want to look at other species like the Sasanquas. Here’s a quick guide to some other popular choices:
- Camellia sasanqua (Autumn Camellia, wild form): White (October to February)
- Camellia sasanqua “Crimson King”: (October to February)
- Camellia sasanqua “Winter Joy”: Pink (October to December)
- Camellia saluensis (Wild form): Light to deep pink (January to March)
- Camellia oleifera (Wild form): White (October to December)
- Camellia reticulata “Mandalay Queen”: Deep pink (February to March)
- Camellia x williamsii “Debbie”: Pink (December to May)
- Camellia x williamsii “Elegant Beauty”: Deep pink (December to May)
- Camellia “Ice Angels” (Hybrid): Various colors (November to February)
