Flower of the Week: Spring Blooming Camellia

As spring swings into season, here is the first installment of the newest column to hit Patch—Flower of the Week.

Here, local experts and amateurs share either an exotic flower or a natural easy-to-grow one, while explaining how to care for it and why it will make your flowerbed look even better.

Check back every Monday to see more info about the Flower of the Week. 

The following post was submitted by Maggie Wiles of . 

Camellia japonica has appeared in paintings and porcelain in China since the 11th century.

This relatively slow growing native of China and Japan, with it’s exquisite bloom, has been a favorite in the southern states ever since its introduction.

In the United States, camellias were first sold in 1807 as greenhouse plants, but were soon distributed to be grown outdoors in the South. Subsequent breeding of camellias produced many cultivars that are now tolerant of zone six and zone seven winters.  

A camellia's glossy, evergreen leaves and vast array of bloom sizes, shapes and colors have made it a most sought after addition to the early spring garden.

Camellias should be planted in the filtered shade in organic, somewhat acidic, semi-moist but well drained soil and protected from cold winter winds. If the soil is not well drained, it can cause the roots to rot. Once established, though, they are drought tolerant.

has an incredible collection, blooming now!