Culture & Resources
Descriptions of Camellia Blooms
FLOWER FORM OR STYLE: Classification descriptions are written from "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Camellias" by Stirling Macoboy.
SINGLE: 5-8 petals in one row; prominent display of stamens & pistils, may include petaloids; petals loose, regular or irregular.
SEMI-DOUBLE: 2 or more rows of large regular, irregular or loose outer petals (9 or more); prominent stamen display, may include petaloids; petals may overlap or be set in rows for ‘hose in hose’ effect.
ANEMONE FORM: 1 or more rows of large outer petals, either flat or undulating; convex central mass of petaloids and stamens.
PEONY FORM: Deep, rounded flower either loose peony form (loose irregular petals often with central mix of petals & stamens) or full peony form (domed mass of irregular petals and petaloids, with or without stamens).
ROSE-FORM DOUBLE: Petals imbricated or overlapped as in formal double, but opening to reveal stamen display in a
concave center.
FORMAL DOUBLE: Many rows of flat, cupped or recurved petals, overlapped in symmetrical form, usually with central cone of tightly furled petals; in some cultivars petals arranged in layers, giving hexagonal or perfect spiral appearance.
Emma Gaeta Var.
Camellia Culture
- Fertilize with either 1-10-10 or 2-10-10 (these numbers represent the ratio of Nitrogen-potassium-phosphorus) in the Fall and Winter.
- As multiple buds form on your camellia plants, don't forget to disbud (remove extra buds at the end of a stem leaving only one bud).
- Prune dead branches and excess foliage.
- Keep your plants watered.
- Pick up blooms that drop to the ground to minimize petal blight. (rust spots on the flowers)
Follow these links to learn more
Devoted to growing and propagating Camellias of all types; located at Massee Lane Gardens, host to the Festival of Camellias held each February. ACS Convention Registration is now on the ACS Website. The National American Camellia Society's Convention will be held February 23-27 in Ft. Valley Georgia. JOIN the American Camellia Society. Their website is an amazing resource for information about camellias, their care, culture and pictures of blooms.
Atlantic Coast Camellia Society
A great resource of pictures and information for over 3250 Camellia Cultivars and Species
Members enjoy and provide information about camellias at monthly meetings. Their annual show will be March 18 & 19, 2023 - location to be announced.
The most famous member – though often not recognized as a camellia – is certainly the tea plant (C. sinensis). Among the ornamental species, the Japanese Camellia (C. japonica) (which despite its name is also found in Korea and Eastern China) is perhaps the most widely-known, though most camellias grown for their flowers are cultivars or hybrids.
International Camellia Society
The plant genus, its culture, description, journals, books, research, documents and history. In 2001, the International Camellia Society launched a program to recognize camellia gardens of excellence. There are now 11 of these fine gardens around the world. Visitors will find an interesting and sizable collection of camellias, well cared for, attractively planted, and carefully labeled. This year's ICS Congress will take place at Lake Maggiore March 26 to 28, 2023. A Tour of Tuscany March 21st to 25th and followed by a lakes tour March 29th to 31st. Registration: internationalcamellia.org/en-us/home/congress-Italy2023
San Francisco Peninsula Camellia Society
SFPCS seeks to encourage greater use and appreciation of camellias and to offer the public helpful information on the cultivation and propagation of these beautiful and versatile plants. SFPCS has donated camellia plants to public gardens and parks throughout the San Francisco Peninsula.
Southern California Camellia Society
The purpose of the Society is to promote the appreciation of camellias and knowledge of camellia culture techniques. Through shows, special programs, and monthly meetings in Fall, Winter, and Spring, members meet to share their knowledge and experience, and to enjoy talks by local nurserymen, horticulturists, and garden designers.