How Long Do Camellias Bloom? Enjoy Months of Colorful Flowers

Camellias are a popular flowering shrub known for their beautiful blooms and attractive evergreen foliage One of the best things about camellias is their incredibly long blooming season, which can last for months on end. But exactly how long do these flowering shrubs bloom for? Let’s take a closer look at the camellia’s blooming habits

Camellia Blooming Seasons

Camellias generally fall into two main categories – fall blooming sasanqua camellias and winter blooming japonica camellias. However with the right variety selections it’s possible to have camellias blooming in your garden from early fall until spring.

Fall Blooming Sasanqua Camellias

Fall blooming sasanqua camellias start flowering as early as September and continue blooming well into November. Some popular long blooming sasanqua varieties include:

• ‘Apple Blossom’ – Blooms September to November with creamy white flowers edged in pale pink.
• ‘Setsugekka’ – Produces single white blooms from September through early winter.
• ‘Yuletide’ – Blankets shrubs with cherry red blooms from October to January.

Winter Blooming Japonica Camellias

Winter blooming japonica camellias start flowering in late fall or early winter and continue blooming into spring. Some top performers include:

• ‘Debutante’ – Displays large, fluffy pink blooms resembling peonies from November to March.
• ‘Lady Vansittart’ – Produces abundant red, pink, and white blooms from January through April.
• ‘Donation’ – Flaunts orchid pink flowers from January to March.
• ‘Carter’s Sunburnt’ – Charms with soft pink and cerise blooms from February to April.

Hybrid Camellia Varieties

In addition to japonicas and sasanquas, various hybrid camellia varieties offer extended bloom seasons. Two popular hybrids are:

• Camellia x williamsii ‘Anticipation’ – Blooms heavily with rose pink flowers from October to May.
• Camellia x williamsii ‘Donation’ – Produces orchid pink blooms from January to March.

How to Maximize Camellia Bloom Duration

With thoughtful variety selection, it’s possible to have camellias blooming in the garden for up to 7 or 8 months of the year. But even without multiple varieties, individual camellia plants can put on lengthy shows. Here are some tips to maximize bloom time for your camellias:

Select Long Blooming Varieties

When choosing camellia varieties, pay attention to bloom duration. Some varieties flower for just 2 to 4 weeks while others will bloom for up to 3 months. Opt for camellias touted as “long blooming” or “prolific blooming” to maximize floral displays.

Provide Optimal Growing Conditions

Like most plants, camellias will bloom best when their basic needs are met. Make sure to plant camellias in rich, acidic, well-draining soil, give them afternoon shade, and water during dry periods. Healthy, happy camellias produce more blooms over a longer timespan.

Apply Light Fertilizer in Spring

Feed camellias with an acidic fertilizer in early spring after blooming concludes. This will provide nutrients to support extended flowering next season. Avoid over-fertilizing which can cause buds to drop prematurely.

Allow Flowers to Fall Naturally

Don’t remove spent blooms from camellias. Dropping faded flowers cleanly from the plant allows new buds to open. Deadheading or pruning too early cuts next year’s flower buds and reduces total bloom time.

Protect Buds from Extreme Cold

In very cold climates, protect camellia buds with a layer of horticultural fleece to prevent frost damage and promote longer bloom seasons. Bud drop often results from cold winter temperatures.

Give Young Plants Extra Water

Be sure to thoroughly water newly planted camellias. Supplemental irrigation during dry periods encourages stronger root systems and more prolific flowering.

Camellia Bloom Times By Region

Due to climate differences, camellia bloom times vary around the world. Here’s an overview of typical bloom seasons based on region:

United States

• Southeast: October through May
• Pacific Northwest: November through April
• Southwest: December through March
• Northeast: February through April

Europe

• October through May

Southern Hemisphere

• April through September

So in mild climates, gardeners can enjoy nearly continuous camellia blooms for 7 or 8 months. While in colder regions, the flowering display lasts for a shorter but still impressive 2 to 4 months.

Outstanding Long Blooming Camellia Varieties

Here is a more extensive list of camellia varieties that bloom for months at a time:

Japonica Camellias

• ‘Roger Hall’ – Bright red blooms from November to April
• ‘Mathotiana Supreme’ – Formal double pink flowers from January to April
• ‘Bob Hope’ – Large semi-double red blooms from February to April
• ‘Tomorrow Park Hill’ – Violet flowers from January to April
• ‘Dr. Tinsley’ – Medium pink double blooms from November to March

Hybrid Camellias

• ‘Spring Festival’ – Pale pink formal double blooms from January to May
• ‘Lady Clare’ – Large blush pink loose petaled flowers from October to March
• Camellia x williamsii ‘Debbie’ – Soft pink peony blooms from October to March

Sasanqua Camellias

• ‘Showa-No-Sakae’ – Abundant bright pink single blooms from September to December
• ‘Jean Pursel’ – Semi-double white flowers with pink streaks blooming October to January
• ‘Yuma’ – Loads of small fuchsia pink blooms from September to November

Enjoy Months of Colorful Camellia Blooms

If timed right, it’s possible for gardeners to have camellias in bloom from fall until spring by using a mix of early, mid, and late season varieties. Even individual plants can put on a stunning show for up to 3 months when provided with ideal growing conditions. Give camellias a try in the garden for an easy way to brighten up borders and containers with months of spectacular blossoms.