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

Camellias actually belong to the tea family

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 plants (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.

Many varieties like 'Coquettii' are hardy

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. 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. So, with the right care, a camellia can reach a stately age that will far outlive any avid gardener.

Camellia japonica: The 50 most beautiful varieties

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

  • Adolphe 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: Deep pink flowers from October to January; growth height up to 3 m; hardy to -18 °C
  • April Rose: Deep 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
Soft pink: 'Ave Maria'
  • 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; 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: soft pink flowers with a pink striped 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
Grows up to 3m tall: 'Desire'
  • 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 fading to 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: Deep pink flowers from December to May; growth height up to 3 m; hardy to -12 °C
  • Eugenia de Montijo: Fire red flowers in winter; growth height up to 3 m; hardy to -18 °C
'Grace Albritton' has a deep pink hem
  • Flame: Strong, bright 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: White flowers shimmering golden yellow from March to April; growth height up to 1.5 m; hardy to -15 °C
  • Grace Albritton: Light pink flowers with dark pink edges 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 white, fringed edges 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 3m; hardy to -15 °C
The petals of 'Lady Campbell' are slightly intertwined
  • 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: Strong red flower; 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: 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
  • Oki No Nami: Light pink flowers with red speckles and stripes from February to April; hardy to -20 °C
The flowers of the 'Matterhorn' camellia are double

Other types of camellia

There are ten Camellia species in total, with the species Camellia japonica often being mentioned 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 pink edges 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 sasanqua are not hardy

Camellia x williamsii

The firstCamellia 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
  • Blue Danube: 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
  • 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
'Jury's Yellow': double white flowers

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
  • Fragrance 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; stem-like leaves

Camellia petelotii has few petals

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 oldestcultivated species with countless cultivars.

Camellia sinensis was actually grown to make tea

Camellia varieties for planting out 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:

  • 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 striped pattern from February to April
  • Matterhorn: White, double flowers from February to May
  • Mikuni-no-homare: Soft 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
‘Winter’s Star’ shines with beautiful purple flowers

You can find the best camellia varieties that can survive the winter outdoors with the right protection in our article on wintering camellias.

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

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