types of white camellias

Popular Types of White Camellias

While the genus Camellia boasts hundreds of cultivars, only a handful produce pure or near-white flowers. These white-flowering types display a range of shapes—from single to double blooms—and often feature lovely hints of yellow stamens or blushes of pink. White camellias generally fall into either the sasanqua or japonica groups, both of which are reliable performers in New Zealand gardens.

Camellia 'Setsugekka'

Among the most iconic types of white camellias, Camellia 'Setsugekka' features large, ruffled single blooms with golden stamens from early autumn to winter. Highly valued for its vigorous growth and exceptional flowering, it's ideal for hedging or as a feature shrub, bringing elegance and luminosity wherever it's planted.

Camellia 'Early Pearly'

For gardeners searching for types of white camellias that bloom on the early side, Camellia 'Early Pearly' is a stand-out choice. This variety delivers abundant double white flowers, tinged softly with blush at times, from late autumn through winter. Its compact growth makes it well suited to containers or foundation planting.

Camellia 'Paradise Pearl'

Camellia 'Paradise Pearl' brings a subtle twist to the types of white camellias, with large, semi-double white blooms and lush green foliage. Its moderate size and dense habit make it popular for screening, hedging, or as a backdrop for perennial gardens craving winter colour.

Camellia 'Nuccio's Pearl'

Renowned for its perfectly formed white double blooms, Camellia 'Nuccio's Pearl' provides months of colour from late winter. The classic elegance of this japonica type makes it a favourite for formal gardens and mixed shrub borders.

Camellia 'Apple Blossom'

While not pure white, Camellia 'Apple Blossom' deserves a mention among the types of white camellias. This delightful sasanqua offers pale pink buds opening to blush-white, single blooms—a beautiful addition to informal borders and woodland gardens.

Choosing and Growing Types of White Camellias in New Zealand

Selecting the best types of white camellias for your garden depends on your space, desired flowering season, and style. Most white camellias thrive in dappled light, with protection from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds. They prefer acidic, free-draining soils and benefit from a thick mulch layer to retain moisture. Regular watering in establishment and annual feeding with a camellia-specific fertilizer will help keep plants lush and flowering abundantly.

Explore our range of white camellia varieties, and enjoy classic floral beauty year after year.