What are fragrant Camellias?

While most Japonica camellias are not fragrant there are a few Sasanqua varieties that are memorably perfumed including Pink-A-Boo® Camellia, Kramer’s Supreme Camellia, and Buttermint Camellia. Why? There is competition from other fall blooming plants to attract bees, so the sasanqua with its smaller bloom must emit a fragrance to attract pollinating insects. Japonicas are winter bloomers and in the winter there is little competition from other blooming plants to draw away pollinators.