Floral Perfection: Top 10 Camellia Picks for Beautiful Winter Gardens

Winter season can mean many things – puffy jackets, hot chocolates and staying inside. But us garden lovers know that it really means Camellia season! Welcome to Diaco’s top picks for Camellia varieties that will turn your garden into a true floral haven! We’ve gathered a mix of timeless classics and exciting new favourites, each bringing its own unique charm to your green space. Whether you’re looking to add a splash of colour, create a calm floral retreat, or build a natural privacy screen, our selection has the perfect camellia for every garden lover. 

Why Gardeners Love Camellias

Camellias are a top pick for any garden, loved by many for good reasons. These evergreen shrubs keep your garden looking lively all year with their shiny, deep green leaves and beautiful flowers that bloom from autumn to spring, when most other plants don’t.

Camellias come in many colours and shapes, making them perfect for adding a splash of colour or creating a natural screen for privacy with their shrubby and small tree-growing habit. They’re tough plants that can grow well in different places, though they like slightly acidic and well-drained soil the best. Camellias are also easy to take care of once they’ve settled in, which makes them a great choice if you’re new to gardening.

Adding camellias to your garden not only makes it more beautiful but also brings a classic, elegant feel. If you want to brighten up your garden, add some privacy, or just have something pretty to look at during the colder months, camellias are definitely worth considering.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into our list and find the ideal camellia to brighten your garden with stunning blooms and year-round beauty!

1. Camellia sasanqua ‘Early Pearly’

The delightful Camellia Early Pearly is a vision in white, offering elegance and structure with its bushy, upright form. Its dark green, glossy leaves beautifully accentuate the pure white blossoms that burst into life from early autumn. Ideal for creating narrow hedges or espaliers, this variety adds a touch of sophistication to any garden.

2. Camellia japonica ‘Volunteer’

The Volunteer Camellia, or ‘Jur01’, is a hybrid variety that starts the blooming season with deep, rich pink flowers edged in white. As the season progresses, the blooms deepen to a dark pink-red, providing a stunning display. This variety is not only a visual treat but also low maintenance, making it a favourite for both new and seasoned gardeners.

3. Camellia sasanqua ‘Slimline’ Avalanche 

Part of the Paradise® collection, the Slimline™ Camellia is a real gem for those tight spaces in your garden. Its upright and slender form is reminiscent of a ballet dancer, perfect for a neat hedge or a narrow garden bed. The early autumn brings a flurry of double white flowers, adding a touch of elegance.

4. Camellia ‘Sweet Jane’

Sweet Jane is an Australian breed that stuns with its six-month floral display. From autumn to early spring, rose pink buds open into small to medium-sized white blooms, subtly blushed with soft pastel pink. Its dense, upright habit and newer coppery growth keep the garden lively even outside the main blooming seasons.

5.  Camellia sasanqua ‘Marge Miller’

The first ground cover Camellia, Marge Miller, captivates with its double pink blooms cascading over rich green, glossy foliage. It’s a showstopper when planted en masse, creating a lush and vibrant carpet that enhances the garden’s depth and beauty. This variety is perfect for covering larger areas or draping over walls and garden edges, adding a romantic touch.

6. Camellia japonica Brushfield’s Yellow 

Brushfield’s Yellow Camellia is a unique addition to our top picks, celebrated for its stunning, creamy yellow flowers that feature a lush, double form with ruffled petals. The blooms stand out against the glossy, dark green foliage, making it a striking choice for any garden. This variety adds a splash of soft colour to the typically pink, red, and white hues found in camellia collections. Ideal for those looking to introduce a subtle yet distinctive colour contrast in their planting scheme.

7. Camellia sasanqua ‘Paradise Blush’

Paradise Blush is a standout with its vibrant pink blossoms that appear to glow against the dark foliage. It’s a robust grower, known for its resilience and ability to thrive under a variety of garden conditions. The intense colour of its flowers makes it an excellent choice for adding visual interest to winter gardens.

8. Camellia sasanqua ‘Setsugekka’

Setsugekka is renowned for its large, ruffled white flowers that make a dramatic statement throughout the winter months. Its striking blooms are complemented by a sturdy, evergreen form that holds its own in any landscape. Often used in moon gardens, its white flowers reflect moonlight beautifully, creating a luminous effect at night.

9. Camellia sasanqua ‘Hiryu’

The Hiryu variety features striking deep red flowers, making it a bold choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of colour. Its vigorous growth and ability to form dense hedges or screens make it as functional as it is beautiful. Hiryu is also known for its excellent tolerance to both heat and cold, making it versatile for various climate zones.

10. Camellia japonica ‘Pope John XXIII’

Camellia japonica ‘Pope John XXIII’ is a distinguished variety, known for its large, immaculately white flowers with a hint of pink on the petals. The blooms are notably lush and peony-shaped, creating a dramatic visual impact in any garden setting. Its elegant and vibrant appearance makes it a favourite among camellia enthusiasts seeking to add a touch of sophistication and tranquillity to their garden landscapes.

General Care for Camellias

Watering: At Diaco’s, we love how camellias can fit beautifully into any garden setting, whether planted in the ground or in pots. To start, water your camellias well before planting to ease their transition to a new home

Soil: When it comes to the garden bed, camellias like soil that drains well and is a bit acidic, with a pH of 6-6.5. Using a potting mix specifically designed for camellias or acid-loving plants can be beneficial because it ensures the ideal soil structure and pH level right from the start. These mixes often contain organic material that improves drainage while retaining sufficient moisture, and they help to maintain the acidity that camellias need to absorb nutrients effectively, promoting healthier growth and more vibrant blooms.

Sunlight: Camellias perform best in partly shady to sunny spots. If they’re in pots, you can easily move them to catch the ideal amount of sunlight. It’s important to note that Sasanqua varieties can tolerate more sun than Japonicas, which prefer a bit more shade. Remember to keep the soil moist, adjusting your watering routine with the weather—more in the hot months and less in winter. Once established, camellias become quite low maintenance regarding water needs, especially those in pots.

Fertiliser: Come spring, it’s time to feed them with a slow-release fertiliser, making sure to apply it around the outer edges of the plant to avoid damage to the roots.

Pruning: Pruning isn’t just about keeping your camellias tidy; it’s about promoting healthier, bushier growth. These plants are generally resistant to diseases and pests, making them a worry-free choice for your garden. 

For more on growing camellias, read up on our top 10 care tips here.

Wrapping Up

So, why not embark on your camellia journey today? You just have the tough gig of narrowing down your choices! Come down to Diaco’s Garden Nursery or shop online, where we’re ready to assist you in selecting the perfect Camellias for your garden. We offer expert advice and support to ensure your garden flourishes beautifully. Join us and let your gardening adventure blossom!