Bountiful Gardens
Camellia
Camellia
The Winter Rose: Camellia spp.
The Snapshot
Common Name: Camellia
Scientific Name: Camellia japonica (Spring blooming) or Camellia sasanqua (Fall blooming)
Hardiness: Zones 6 – 9 (With "Ice Angels" and "Ackerman Hybrids" being the NJ superstars).
The "Vibe": Opulent, waxen, and aristocratic; the "Secret Garden" masterpiece.
Why It’s a New Jersey "Hidden Gem"
The Impossible Bloom Time: Camellias laugh at the NJ calendar. Fall-bloomers (C. sasanqua) peak in October and November, while Spring-bloomers (C. japonica) can start as early as March.
Evergreen Luxury: The leaves are thick, leathery, and so glossy they look like they’ve been polished with wax. They provide a high-end, deep green backdrop all year long.
The "Rose" of Winter: The flowers come in singles, doubles, and "peony" forms. In colors ranging from snowy white to "Jersey Tomato" red and soft blush pink, they are breathtaking.
Deer Resistance: While not "bulletproof," Camellias have thick, serrated leaves that deer generally avoid unless they are desperate. They are much safer than your average Azalea.
Stories from the Garden
"I live in Princeton, and I wanted something special for my courtyard. I planted an 'April Tryst' Camellia. Last year, we had a dusting of snow in late March, and seeing those bright red, wax-like flowers peeking through the white snow was the most magical thing I've ever seen in my garden. It feels like I'm cheating winter. It’s a slow grower, but it’s the plant everyone asks about when they visit."
— Julian V., Zone 6b Gardener (Princeton, NJ)
Designer Tips: Where to Plant
The "Courtyard" Specimen: Plant a Camellia near a sheltered entryway or in a "U-shaped" part of your house. The house provides a "heat island" that protects the buds from late frosts.
The "Holly" Alternative: Use Camellias instead of Hollies for a more sophisticated, flowering privacy screen in a shady spot.
The Woodland Understory: Plant them beneath Oak or Pine trees. The trees provide the acidic soil they love and shield them from the winter wind.
Designer Pro-Tip: The "Anti-Desiccant" Trick. Because Camellias keep their leaves all winter, the cold NJ winds can "freeze-dry" them. In late November, spray the leaves with Wilt-Pruf or a similar anti-desiccant. It’s like putting "chapstick" on the leaves to keep the moisture in all winter long.
