5 Favorites for Camellia Lovers

Since garden space is limited, Bob often grafts several camellia cultivars on the same shrub. Then the couple can enjoy more than 150 different kinds of blooms on just 100 plants.

Some of the camellias in the Reese garden are:

The plant: 'Dixie Knight Supreme's large blossoms are splotched with deep red and white. It is the variegated form of the popular Mississippi camellia, 'Dixie Knight', which is a solid red camellia introduced in 1955. The flowers grow on a vigorous, upright shrub. 'Dixie Knight Supreme' is a peony flower form with irregular petals and was introduced in 1961.
How to use it: This is a great flower for competitions and is very showy in the garden and as a cut flower.
Care: Camellias should be grown in semi-shade in rich, well-drained moist soil. These plants are acid lovers. Prune after flowering to keep shape. Note: Camellias are generally hardy to USDA Zones 7 to 9.
Source: Greer Gardens

The plant: 'Grand Slam' has large, deep red flowers in a semi-double anemone form. The plant is vigorous with an open, upright habit and deep green foliage. 'Grand Slam' is a midseason bloomer. Introduced by Nuccio's, a renowned camellia nursery, in 1962.
How to use it: Camellias can be grown in cool greenhouses or outdoors where the climate is suitable. Beautiful as a cut flower.
Care: Camellias grow well in temperate coastal regions and appreciate cool, moist, well-drained soil that is rich in humus. Provide protection from cold winter winds and afternoon sun in summer. Note: Camellias are generally hardy to USDA Zones 7 to 9.
Source: Camellia Forest Nursery

The plant: This unusual camellia features large salmon red, semi-double flowers with showy stamens. Its unique crinkled, holly-like leaves set it apart from other camellias and make it worth growing for the foliage alone. Good compact growth habit. An introduction by Nuccio's in 1985.
How to use it: Grow in combination with deciduous shrubs such as hydrangeas. Useful for cut foliage in holiday arrangements.
Care: Plant in light shade in rich, moist organic soil with plenty of room to grow. Note: Camellias are generally hardy to USDA Zones 7 to 9.
Source: This cultivar is not available online.

The plant: 'Little Susie' was hybridized in Savannah, Georgia, and introduced in 1972. Its smaller-sized, double flowers are light pink. A mid- to late-season bloomer, this camellia has an average, upright growth habit.
How to use it: Grow outside to enjoy the exquisite blooms on the shrub or as a cut flower.
Care: Camellias appreciate moist, well-drained soil with high organic content. Note: Camellias are generally hardy to USDA Zones 7 to 9.
Source: This cultivar is not available online.

The plant: A U.S. introduction that came out in 1966, 'Punkin' has rose pink outer petals that fade to a lighter pink at the center. The small, double flowers also have incurved petals. A vigorous grower and a mid-season bloomer.
How to use it: Grow as a shrub in the landscape.
Care: Allow plenty of room for camellias to grow, and prune after flowering to control shape. Plant in semi-shade away from cold winds. Note: Camellias are generally hardy to USDA Zones 7 to 9.
Source: This hybrid is not available online.