With their gorgeous blooms and lush green foliage, camellias are a treasured staple of Southern gardens. For gardeners in Florida looking to add these classic beauties to their landscape, numerous nurseries and gardens offer a wide selection of camellias for sale. From rare heirloom varieties to hardy modern cultivars, camellias can be purchased across Florida during much of the year.
Overview of Camellias
Camellias are flowering shrubs and trees belonging to the Theaceae family. There are over 300 species, most native to Asia. The most commonly grown species include C. japonica, C. sasanqua, and C. reticulata. These broad-leaved evergreens are prized for their exquisite flowers, glossy leaves, and ability to bloom even in winter.
Most camellias grow 10-15 feet tall and wide, but can reach up to 20-25 feet with time. Growth rate is generally slow to moderate Camellias prefer organic, acidic, well-drained soil and part to full shade, especially from afternoon sun. They thrive in USDA zones 7-9 across the South Once established, camellias are quite drought tolerant and deer resistant.
Buying Camellia Plants in Florida
Camellias are available at many Florida nurseries from small local shops to large mail-order suppliers. Here are some top places to buy camellias
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Local independent nurseries – Check for small family-owned nurseries in your area that may carry a nice selection of camellias. These nurseries offer helpful advice and often grow camellias suited for local conditions
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Mail-order nurseries – Companies like Camellia Forest Nursery have an enormous online selection that can be shipped to most of Florida. They may carry rare, hard-to-find varieties.
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Big box stores – Home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot sell camellia plants during fall and winter months, including both standards like ‘Jennifer Susan’ along with some newer varieties.
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Camellia specialty nurseries – Nurseries focused exclusively on camellias, like Bob Wines Camellia Gardens in Ocala, provide the best selection and expertise. Many propagate their own exclusive cultivars.
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Camellia society plant sales – Many camellia societies hold annual plant sales offering member-grown camellias. This is a great way to find unusual heirloom varieties.
When to Purchase Camellias
Camellias are typically available from late fall through early spring in Florida, with the best selection in January/February. Buying during the cooler months gives plants time to establish roots before summer. Container-grown plants can be planted year-round but may need extra watering when planted in warmer weather.
Types of Camellias Grown in Florida
There are many hundreds of camellia varieties to choose from. Some popular types grown in Florida include:
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C. japonica – The most common species. Flowers from late fall to spring. Over 2,000 cultivars exist with flowers in shades of white, pink, red, and purple. Growth is upright and moderately fast.
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C. sasanqua – Bloom in fall and early winter. More open growth habit. Tend to be smaller leaved and shrubby. Popular varieties include ‘Yuletide’ and ‘Kanjiro’.
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C. reticulata – Prized for huge blooms in winter. Slow growing. ‘Captain Rawes’ has reddish semi-double blooms over 5″ wide.
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Hybrids – Combine traits from different species. Grow well in Florida. Examples are ‘Donation’ and ‘Kramer’s Supreme’.
Where to Plant Camellias in Florida
- Part to full shade
- Organic, acidic, well-drained soil
- Shelter from harsh sun and wind
- Under trees, along foundations, in shrub borders
- Container culture also works well
Avoid planting camellias in areas with poor drainage or overly alkaline soil. Apply an acidic fertilizer formulated for camellias. Irrigate during droughts. Camellias tolerate pruning well if needed.
Buying Healthy Camellia Plants
When selecting camellias at the nursery, look for:
- Healthy green leaves, not yellowing
- Well-established root systems
- No signs of pests/diseases
- Plants suitable for your USDA zone
Check container sizes – larger is generally better for quicker growth. Ask about bloom times and growing requirements. Carefully remove from containers when planting. Water deeply after planting.
Caring for Camellias
- Water when soil dries out, avoid drought
- Use acidic fertilizer in early spring
- Prune after flowering
- Protect from harsh sun/drying winds
- Watch for pest/disease issues like scale
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
With their magnificent flowers and handsome foliage, camellias are a must-have for any garden across the South. Take time selecting varieties suited for your growing conditions and landscape needs. Florida nurseries offer many choices for gardeners to find beautiful camellias for sale that will enhance gardens with graceful beauty.
Mrs. D. W. Davis
Very large semi-double bluish pink blooms appear mid season.
Glossy foliage that is serrated much like holly and semi-double flowers are glossy salmon red.
In the middle to end of the season, you can find medium to large pure white camellias with perfectly round petals that are fully double.
Rose form double to formal double with dark red blotched white with golden anthers and pink filaments.
Large to very large blush pink blooms with one or more red stripes.
How To Grow Camellias | Camellia Japonica vs Sasanqua
FAQ
When to plant camellias in Florida?
When should I buy camellia plants?
What are the best camellias for Central Florida?
What camellias grow the fastest?
Are there different types of camellia plants in Florida?
Many Florida gardeners aren’t aware of the sheer number of camellia varieties available. While the local big box garden store may only carry the common Camellia japonica, nurseries, public gardens, and even camellia societies can suggest many more. Camellia plants vary widely in mature size and light requirements.
Where can I buy camellias in Tallahassee?
Camellia Heaven is Tallahassee’s only exclusive retail camellia nursery serving the Tallahassee, Florida and surrounding Big Bend area. We specialize in selling a variety of camellias from hard-to-find camellias such as solid yellow, ‘Lemon Glow’ camellias to other popular camellia varieties.
Can camellias be grown in Florida?
Camellias are a common flowering shrub in the southern states, but are less popular in the rest of Florida. Gardeners in central and southern Florida can grow camellias, but must choose a heat-tolerant variety. Till over the entire area with a tiller.
Where can I buy camellia shrubs for sale online?
Rest assured, when you buy Camellia shrubs for sale online from Wilson Bros Gardens, we safely ship the highest quality container-grown specimens that are ready upon arrival to plant and provide stunning beauty for years to come in your gardens – Guaranteed! Wilson Bros Gardens brings you awesome every day!
What flowers are available at camellia forest nursery?
Add [email protected] to your contacts to make sure you get our emails! Available Ornamental Camellia plants at Camellia Forest Nursery. Spring blooming and Fall blooming Camellias in white, yellow, pink, red, bicolor, and candy striped. Single, semi-double, formal double, rose-form double, anemone, and peony form flowers.
When do camellias bloom in Florida?
Camellias flower in the fall and winter when their display of colorful blooms is most appreciated. During the remainder of the year their evergreen foliage, interesting shapes and textures, and relatively slow growth make camellias excellent landscape plants. Many Florida gardeners aren’t aware of the sheer number of camellia varieties available.