How did I neglect to start a thread for Camellias for so long?

Camellias (Camellia)

They have become the most highly appreciated plants in my garden. Although they grow and bloom in full sun here, they're equally impressive in the deepest shade. After three years of severe drought in California, my camellias still perform as well as ever, although their rhododendron cousins have suffered greatly from the drought.

I now have 8 camellia bushes I can identify by name and another dozen or so that were bought years and years ago, before I realized the importance of saving plant tags. I soon will have many more because I'll be replacing all of the drought-stricken azaleas and rhododendrons with camellias in the future.

I love camellias, although our only one died a few years back. We had some landscaping work done and it had to be moved - I guess it was too mature to cope with the stress. I have it on my list to buy a replacement, but I haven't yet decided which type. Do you have any strong recommendation(s)?

All of mine are of the japonica species. I always admire the Sasanqua camellias when I see them in nurseries, but I've somehow never bought one.

My favorites are Kramer's Supreme


and Julia Variegated


I also like all of the camellias bred at Nuccio's Nurseries. Some were hybridized by Tom Nuccio, but some of the most popular ones (Nuccio's Pearl, Nuccio's Gem, and others) were just chance seedlings, hybridized by bees.

You and I are on different continents, so the ones I recommend might not be available to you, but here's a great picture of Nuccio's Pearl that was contributed by someone from England.

Thanks, zuzu, they're all stunning, though I have a marginal preference for Kramer's Supreme. I'll investigate locally to see if it's available.

Found the following article to be helpful:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos Zuzu.
Camellias are on my want plant list.

Hello from Camellia City! This the first thread I've seen here. Was out today perusing the flush of blooms in pristine shape. They are so common here I think they get overlooked by most. I see the database does not have there flower forms with each entry but those I like are the formal flower form with it's seeming perfection of spiraling petals that give the impression of symmetry. March 1st is still Camellia Day here but we no longer have the Camellia Parade. The Capitols' Park has an old grove of Camellia trees that is quite a site if you time it right. I stopped to admire a few in my neighborhood today.

The first thread you've seen here, Leslie? You should join us in the Pacific Coast Gardening Forum. We have a Camellia thread going there, and we also talk about camellias in other threads in that forum.

The thread "All about Camellia!" in Pacific Coast Gardening forum