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types of camellias

Searching for the perfect camellia for your New Zealand garden? Understanding the different types of camellias is the first step to growing these evergreen treasures. Camellias are famed for their glossy leaves, stunning blooms, and their ability to brighten the garden from autumn to spring. With so many varieties available, from small-leaved sasanquas to large-flowered japonicas, there’s a camellia suitable for every spot in your landscape. Let’s explore the main types of camellias, with some radiant examples to inspire your next planting.

Camellia 'Setsugekka'

Camellia 'Setsugekka' is a sasanqua variety with large, semi-double, white flowers with wavy, fluted petals and a yellow centre. These contrast nicely with the glossy, dark green leaves as it grows to 3 m tall and 2 m wide. Camellia 'Setsugekka' is commonly grown as a specimen, clipped into a hedge, added to a mixed planting, used in cottage or 'white' gardens, planted around outdoor living areas, or used as a backdrop for smaller plants.

Buy Camellia 'Setsugekka'

From $33.68

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 2.00 m

Flowering time: Autumn, Winter

Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White

Camellia Roma Red

Camellia Roma Red features double, red flowers through winter and spring. The showy blooms are complemented beautifully with glossy, dark green foliage as it grows to 2 m tall and the same wide. Camellia Roma Red is commonly grown as specimen, clipped into a hedge, included in cottage gardens, planted around outdoor living areas, added to a mixed planting, or used as a backdrop for smaller plants.

Buy Camellia Roma Red

From $47.18

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 2.00 m

Spread: 2.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Winter

Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Modern

Main Types of Camellias

Camellias are broadly divided into three main species grown in New Zealand: Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua, and Camellia x williamsii hybrids. Each type offers unique flowering times, growth habits, and landscaping uses.

Camellia Japonica

The classic Camellia japonica is a shade-loving shrub with large, ornate flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. Blooming from late winter through spring, japonicas thrive in semi-shaded positions and are often grown as specimen shrubs or hedges. Many beloved varieties descend from this species, including the richly coloured Camellia Roma Red, known for its bold red flowers and strong upright growth.

Camellia Sasanqua

For gardeners seeking earlier blooms and sun-tolerant shrubs, Camellia sasanqua is the go-to choice. These types of camellias begin flowering from early autumn and continue into winter, with smaller leaves and a lighter, more open habit than japonicas. They’re highly valued for hedging, topiary, and even espaliering. Popular sasanqua selections include Camellia sasanqua 'Paradise Diana', with its pure white single blooms, and the vibrant Camellia sasanqua 'Sparkling Burgundy', showcasing deep pink blossoms.

Camellia x Williamsii

Hybrids like Camellia x williamsii blend the best attributes of japonicas and sasanquas. Flowering from late winter into spring, they offer excellent hardiness and a range of bloom colours. The renowned Camellia 'Setsugekka' is prized for its reliable performance and profusion of ruffled, semi-double white flowers.

Choosing the Best Camellia for Your Garden

When selecting from the different types of camellias, consider flowering time, sunlight requirements, and garden location. Sasanqua varieties are ideal for sunny spots and hedging, while japonicas excel in dappled shade as feature plants. Hybrids fill in with their easy care and lush blooms. Unsure where to start? The romantic Camellia With Love offers gorgeous pink flowers and a compact growth habit, making it a lovely choice for smaller spaces or containers.

Find Your Camellia Favourite

With such a wonderful variety of types of camellias, it’s easy to find one that fits your garden style and needs. Explore our full collection, from autumn-flowering sasanquas to classic japonica beauties, and plant a camellia that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.