Camellia season is here!

Camellia appreciaters everywhere are probably aware of the notion that there are two main types of this cool weather bloomer - Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua. While the distinction between these two types of camellia is important, there are new introductions resulting from hybridization between different species other than japonica and sasanqua. There are 80 or so species of Camellia, all of them native to areas in Asia such as Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

In my opinion, it is wise to research which Camellia you intend on planting in your yard and chose the one that is right for you based on bloom, size, hardiness, pest resistence, etc. Here are a few of my favorite:

Camellia japonica types (typically bloom mid to late winter/early spring; often fuller, showier blooms than sasanquas):

'Debutante' - large, light pink peony-like blooms.

'Nuccio's Pearl' - Spectacular, fully double blooms with pure white petals edged with an orchid pink blush.

Camellia sasanqua types (typically bloom mid to late fall/early winter; often single petal flowering forms; usually more cold hardy than C. Japonica):

'Kanjiro' - Stunning cherise-pink semi-double blossoms edged in red with golden stamens and slight fragrance.

'Hana Jiman' - This is my favorite of all the camellias. Partly because I'm nostalgic about planting it as long ago as 1978 and partly because I love it's flowers (white w/ rose edging).

'Shishi Gashira' - Bright rose semi-double blooms are produced in abundance making this one of the top all time sasanquas. Valued for its half sized dwarf form that's more versatile in smaller spaces.

New introductions:

Camellia X 'Taylor's Perfection' - A cross between Camellia japonica and Camellia saluensis. Handsome evergreen shrub with leathery dark green foliage that backs a profusion of exquisite light pink, semi-double blossoms

Camellia X 'Debbie' - A cross between Camellia japonica and Camellia reticulata. Startling variation in flower size and form make this a unique Camellia. Rich deep rose-pink flowers in both peony and anemone form on the same plant.