The two main types of Camellia available for ornamental plantings are Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua. Below are the key features for each species to help you pick the right one for your landscape.
Camellia japonica:
- Blooms January through early spring, depending on the cultivar.
- Less sun tolerant, but more cold hardy
- Larger flowers and leaves
- Flowers are not fragrant
Camellia sasanqua
- Bloom late fall through early January, depending on the cultivar.
- More sun tolerant, but less cold hardy
- Smaller flowers and leaves
- Flowers are fragrant, though some cultivars are more fragrant than others.