Camellias go with Charleston like peanut butter goes with jelly! Camellias are a staple southern shrub and can be found all over the peninsula. They are an evergreen flowering shrub from Asia that was introduced to Charleston around 1786. Some of the first camellias brought to an American garden were planted right here at Middleton Place!
The camellias japonica and camellia sasanqua are very common landscape shrubs, so today we're going to help you determine which variety is best for your space!
Camellia Sasanqua
Flower: Sasanqua flowers are smaller, more delicate, and very fragrant. They start blooming in the fall and go through the winter (Typically October - January).
Growth & Size: They are smaller is size (6ft+) and faster growing with smaller leaves.
Sun: Prefers shade to part sun.
Camelia Japonica
Flower: Japonica flowers contain more petals and are larger in size. They starts blooming in the winter and go through the spring (Typically January - March).
Growth & Size: They are larger (12ft+) and slower growing with broader, larger leaves.
Sun: Prefers shade.
General care: Camellias have a shallow root system and do best in well draining acidic soil, so ensure you do not plant your camellias too deep and fertilize as needed to increase acidity! In general, camellias are a relatively easy to grow showy shrub that thrive in the Charleston climate. They do not require much pruning, however, if you want to significantly prune to define shape and control size, do so between February and May after the blooming period.
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