Camellias are a timeless favourite in gardens and floral displays for good reason. These elegant, evergreen shrubs bloom in cooler months, bringing rich colour and charm when most other plants are resting. Known for their lush, rose-like blooms and glossy dark green foliage, camellias create year-round beauty with minimal effort once established.
From soft whites and blushing pinks to bold reds and multi-tone varieties, the world of camellias is diverse and deeply rewarding. This guide explores the most popular and unique types of camellia flowers you should know, along with tips on choosing the right one for your space.
Why Camellias Stand Out
Camellias are more than just attractive garden plants. With hundreds of cultivars, they offer a wide range of flower forms, from simple single blooms to full, peony-style doubles. Their long bloom period, evergreen foliage, and versatility in both gardens and pots make them a gardener’s dream.
They’re also hardy in cooler temperatures and bloom from autumn into spring—filling your space with colour when little else is flowering. And beyond their beauty, camellias have rich symbolism, often associated with admiration, devotion, and love. They are one of the most loved flowers representing purity, especially in their white forms.
4 Main Camellia Species You’ll See
Four primary species of camellia form the foundation for most varieties grown today. Each has distinct characteristics in bloom time, flower size, and growth habits.
1. Camellia Japonica
Perhaps the best-known camellia, Camellia japonica, offers large, showy blooms and glossy foliage. It blooms in late winter to early spring, producing a range of colours from white and pink to deep red. Japonicas prefer part shade and cooler climates.
2. Camellia Sasanqua
Sasanquas bloom earlier, typically from late autumn into early winter, and their flowers are slightly smaller than japonicas but more abundant. They’re also more sun-tolerant, making them ideal for hedges and sunny garden beds.
3. Camellia Reticulata
This less common type is known for oversized flowers and a more open, airy growth habit. Camellia reticulata is prized for its dramatic blooms, which can be up to five inches wide, often with ruffled or irregular petals.
4. Camellia Sinensis
Best known as the plant used to make green, black, and oolong tea, Camellia sinensis produces small, simple white flowers. Though not typically grown for ornamental use, it's a fascinating camellia with both visual and practical appeal.
Beautiful Varieties Of Camellia To Consider
Here are some standout cultivars you’ll love for their colour, shape, and seasonal beauty:
‘Debutante’
With its delicate, peony-style pink blooms, ‘Debutante’ is a soft, romantic variety that blooms in winter. The pale blush tones make it one of the most beloved types of pink flowers in cooler climates.
‘Yuletide’
Bright red with golden centres, ‘Yuletide’ lives up to its name by blooming around the holidays. Compact and tidy, it’s perfect for containers or small gardens.
‘White By The Gate’
Elegant and pure, this formal white camellia is known for its upright growth and symmetrical blooms. A popular choice for garden entrances and formal hedges, it’s also among the best flowers representing purity.
‘Bob Hope’
This striking variety boasts velvety red blooms and dark green foliage. It makes a strong statement in the landscape and is well-suited for spotlight planting.
‘Pink Perfection’
True to its name, this cultivar delivers perfectly shaped, soft pink formal double blooms. Its compact habit and graceful form make it ideal for borders and pots.
‘E.G. Waterhouse’
This camellia has long-lasting, medium pink flowers and a formal double shape. It blooms heavily and consistently in partly shaded spots.
How To Choose The Right Camellia
When selecting a camellia, think about three things: sunlight, bloom season, and desired size.
- For sunny spots: Try sasanqua varieties, which tolerate more light.
- For shade or partial sun: Japonica is your best bet.
- For large, bold flowers: Look into reticulata types.
- For tea lovers: Camellia sinensis is a unique choice.
- For hedges: Go with a sasanqua, which has a denser, more compact habit.
Also consider how the flower’s shape fits in your garden design. A camellia with full, layered petals may resemble flowers that look like dahlias, while open, petal-light varieties may bring to mind flowers that look like magnolias.
Growing Camellias: Tips for Success
Camellias thrive with the right conditions and care. Here’s how to keep them healthy and blooming for years:
- Soil: They prefer slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially when the plant is establishing.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Light: Partial shade is ideal. Sasanqua types can handle more sun.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed. Trim after flowering to shape the plant.
Camellias also grow well in pots, allowing you to move them to the best light and temperature conditions. They’re a great choice when you want to make a flower bouquet straight from your patio or balcony garden.
Conclusion on Types of Camellia Flowers
Camellias offer lasting beauty, rich history, and seasonal colour when you need it most. With so many options, you're sure to find a type that fits your garden, climate, and style—whether you love soft pinks, classic whites, or rich reds.
Their versatility and timeless charm make them ideal for both beginner and seasoned gardeners alike. Whether you want to create a winter-flowering hedge, add elegance to containers, or simply enjoy their blooms indoors, camellias won’t disappoint.
At The Daily Blooms, we celebrate the elegance of camellias and offer curated floral selections inspired by nature’s finest.Â
Get in touch with us to explore arrangements or garden-ready plants that suit every season and story.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Camellia Flowers
What Are Some Flowers That Look Like Magnolias?
Camellias, especially in their white and pink varieties, are often compared to magnolias due to their layered petals and soft appearance.
What Do Camellias Symbolise in Floral Language?
Camellias commonly symbolise love, admiration, and devotion. White camellias are also flowers representing purity, often used in weddings or remembrance.
Can I Grow Camellias With Other Types Of Pink Flowers?
Yes! Camellias blend beautifully with other types of pink flowers like azaleas, tulips, or peonies in cool-season gardens.
Are There Flowers That Look Like Dahlia Among Camellias?
Yes, formal double camellias such as ‘Pink Perfection’ have dense, round blooms similar to flowers that look like dahlias.
How Can I Preserve Camellia Flowers For Enduring Beauty?
To preserve flowers for enduring beauty, dry camellia petals using silica gel or press them between heavy books to use in crafts or keepsakes.
