The lush, colorful blooms of camellias are a favorite winter sight throughout the South. Stroll through the squares in Savannah over Christmastime, and you’ll spot the big magenta-red blooms popping out from among the trees. Walk around a leafy neighborhood in Alabama, and you’ll understand why those luscious blossoms earned their place as the state flower.
While these blooms would always be considered beautiful on their own accord, their timing—blooming right in the dead of winter—is part of their appeal. They’re a vibrant dose of color when we’re surrounded by the shadow of dormant trees and the deep, rich tones of evergreens.
If you’re hoping to fill your garden with camellia blooms by next winter, when should you start planting? The answer will vary depending on where you live, but here’s what two experts had to say.
Which Camellias Bloom In The Winter?
While all camellias are evergreen, not all varieties put on their big show during the winter. Some show off early, adding color to the fall landscape, while others wait to display their blooms until spring’s warm temperatures have settled in…