Native to Asia, the first camellia plants were brought to America in 1797 and grown in New England greenhouses. Over the last 200 years, they have proven to be dependable additions to the southern landscape, where they grow and bloom with minimal care.There are numerous species of Camellia, but the types commonly grown as landscape shrubs in Florida are Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua, and hybrids of these. Camellia japonica typically grows larger and has bigger leaves and flowers than Camellia sasanqua. Camellia reticulata, Camellia hiemalis, Camellia vernalis, and their hybrids are less commonly used in landscapes. The young leaves of another species, Camellia sinensis, are processed for tea, one of the world’s most popular drinks (see Tea Growing in the Florida Landscape at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs308).

View fact sheet: Camillia

Planted in Nassau County Extension Demonstration Garden