Camellias

Stunning, Colorful Camellias

Growing camellias in the Valley, can be a rewarding endeavor. Camellias are known for their stunning blooms, which range in color from deep reds and pinks to pristine whites. They also provide year-round visual appeal with their glossy evergreen foliage. While these plants are typically associated with cooler, more humid climates, they can thrive in our area with the right care and adjustments.

At SummerWinds Nursery, we have a variety of beautiful camellias available seasonally, while supplies last. Please contact your preferred SummerWinds Nursery location to confirm availability...

Some Varieties We Love

Bob Hope Camellia - Camellia japonica 'Bob Hope'

A closeup of a bright red Bob Hope Camellia. An evergreen shrub with large, semi-double, deep red flowers that have ruffled petals and striking yellow stamens, set against glossy, dark green leaves.

Light: Morning sun and afternoon shade. In the Valley, place under a tree canopy or beside a structure that provides filtered sunlight.
Bloom Time: Winter
Watering: Increase watering frequency during the summer, ensuring deep watering but allowing the soil to drain well.
Temperature: Protect from hot, direct sunlight and reflective heat, especially during the summer.
Growth: Moderate, reaching 6-8 feet in height and width, and potentially larger with age
Ideal for: Borders, containers, cutting gardens, espalier, mass planting, privacy screens, and Zen or woodland gardens

Colonel Firey Camellia - Camellia japonica 'Colonel Firey'

Colonel Firey Camellia A slow-growing evergreen camellia prized for its large, dark red blooms with formal, structured petals and dark green, glossy foliage.

Light: Keep it in bright shade or filtered light. Ensure no exposure to afternoon sun to avoid leaf burn.
Bloom Time: Winter through Mid-Spring
Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, increasing watering frequency in the heat, while ensuring the top inches dry out between waterings.
Temperature: This variety will appreciate extra care during our hot summers, so avoid placing it near walls that can radiate heat.
Growth: 6-8 feet tall and wide, with potential to grow larger over time
Ideal for: Borders, containers, mass planting, cottage and woodland gardens, and Zen gardens

Coral Delight Camellia - Camellia x 'Coral Delight'

A closeup of a bright coral pink Coral Delight Camellia growing in the garden. This evergreen produces semi-double, coral-pink flowers with yellow stamens, against thick, dark green foliage.

Light: Morning sun is okay, but afternoon shade is essential to protect it from scorching.
Bloom Time: Early to late winter
Watering: Water regularly but allow the top layer to dry between sessions. Mulch heavily to keep roots cool.
Temperature: Shield it from the afternoon sun and extreme heat, as our intense summers can stress the plant.
Growth: Slow, reaching 6-8 feet in height and width
Ideal for: Borders, containers, cutting gardens, mass planting, and woodland or cottage gardens

Debutante Camellia - Camellia japonica 'Debutante'

Pink Debutante Camellias growing in the garden. An evergreen shrub with large, light pink flowers reminiscent of peonies, paired with glossy, dark green leaves.

Light: Prefers shaded or filtered light. Full shade is ideal during the harshest summer months.
Bloom Time: Winter to early spring
Watering: Maintain a regular watering schedule, increasing it in the peak of summer, while ensuring proper drainage.
Temperature: Move to a more sheltered area or provide extra shade during extreme heat.
Growth: 6-8 feet tall and wide, potentially larger with age
Ideal for: Borders, containers, hedges, mass planting, Zen gardens, and more

Kanjiro Camellia - Camellia sasanqua 'Kanjiro'

Kanjiro Camellia Featuring cerise pink, semi-double blooms edged in red with golden stamens, this evergreen offers a light fragrance and dark green glossy leaves.

Light: Prefers filtered sunlight. In the Valley, plant in a spot that gets morning sun only, with plenty of afternoon shade.
Bloom Time: Fall through winter
Watering: Water thoroughly and increase the frequency during the summer heat, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but well-drained.
Temperature: Protect from the hot, reflected sun, and be cautious with placement near heat-retaining walls.
Growth: 8-10 feet in height and width
Ideal for: Borders, privacy screens, Zen gardens, and mass planting

Kumasaka Camellia - Camellia japonica 'Kumasaka'

Kumasaka Camellia A striking evergreen with rose-pink, double flowers set against dark, glossy foliage.

Light: Keep in partial to full shade, as our desert sun is too strong for direct exposure. Use taller shrubs or trees to provide some protection.
Bloom Time: Winter through mid-spring
Watering: Water regularly when the top 3 inches of soil are dry. Adjust frequency as needed in summer.
Temperature: Ensure protection from the sun and radiant heat from surrounding surfaces.
Growth: 6-8 feet tall and wide, with potential to grow larger
Ideal for: Privacy screens, specimen plantings, and mass planting in cottage and Zen gardens

Nuccio Bella Rossa Camellia - Camellia japonica 'Nuccio's Bella Rossa' Plant Patent #13,023

A closeup of a red Nuccio Bella Rossa Camellia growing in the garden. An elegant camellia that produces rich crimson-red, four-inch blooms against glossy dark green foliage, with flowers opening slowly over a long bloom period.

Light: Plant in a location that provides bright, indirect light or filtered sun. Afternoon shade is crucial in the Valley of the Sun.
Bloom Time: Late winter to mid-spring
Watering: Increase the frequency during summer to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Deep watering is essential.
Temperature: Protect this camellia from direct summer heat by placing it in a shaded spot.
Growth: 6-8 feet tall and wide in 10 years, up to 20 feet tall with age
Ideal for: Borders, cutting gardens, privacy screens, and Zen gardens

Nuccio's Gem Camellia - Camellia japonica 'Nuccio's Gem'

Delicate very light peach Nuccio's Gem Camellias growing in the garden. Known for its pure white, double blooms against dark green foliage, this evergreen camellia shines in the garden.

Light: In the Valley, grow in bright, indirect light with full afternoon shade.
Bloom Time: Winter
Watering: Regular deep watering will be necessary, especially during hot spells. Keep the topsoil cool with mulching.
Temperature: Shade it well, especially during the hottest parts of the year.
Growth: Moderate, reaching 6-8 feet tall and wide, larger with age
Ideal for: Borders, privacy screens, containers, and Zen gardens

Nuccio's Pearl Camellia - Camellia japonica 'Nuccio's Pearl'

Nuccio's Pearl Camellia This camellia showcases double blooms with white petals edged in soft pink, contrasted against glossy dark green leaves.

Light: Filtered light is essential. Avoid any direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
Bloom Time: Winter
Watering: Increase the watering schedule to ensure consistent moisture in the soil without waterlogging.
Temperature: Extra shade and protection from the sun are needed during our summer months.
Growth: Slow, reaching 6-8 feet in height and width
Ideal for: Cottage and Zen gardens, as well as borders and containers

Pearl Maxwell Camellia - Camellia japonica 'Pearl Maxwell'

A pink Pearl Maxwell Camellia growing in the garden. This variety is treasured for its soft, shell-pink double blooms against glossy evergreen foliage.

Light: Filtered or indirect sunlight with afternoon shade is ideal.
Bloom Time: Winter to early spring
Watering: Deep watering during the summer months is essential, ensuring the soil doesn’t dry out too much between waterings.
Temperature: Keep it well-sheltered from our harsh summer heat.
Growth: 6-8 feet tall and wide, potentially larger with age
Ideal for: Mass planting, borders, and woodland gardens

Pink-A-Boo® Camellia - Camellia sasanqua 'Mondel' Plant Patent #21,687

A closeup of a Pink-a-Boo Camellia growing in the garden. A stunning camellia with large, fragrant deep pink flowers and golden stamens, set against dark evergreen foliage.

Light: Plant in areas with filtered sun or bright shade. Avoid any direct exposure to the intense summer sun.
Bloom Time: Winter
Watering: Regular watering is key to keep this plant thriving in our desert heat.
Temperature: Ensure it is well-shaded and avoid placing it in areas exposed to reflected heat.
Growth: 8-10 feet tall and wide over 12 years
Ideal for: Hedges, privacy screens, and Zen gardens

Spring's Promise Ice Angels® Camellia - Camellia japonica 'Spring's Promise'

red springs promise ice angel camellia A cold-hardy evergreen with rose-colored flowers and golden stamens that bloom from mid-winter through early spring.

Light: Bright, filtered sunlight or light shade. Ensure protection from afternoon sun.
Bloom Time: Winter to early spring
Watering: Deep, regular watering is crucial, especially during our hotter months.
Temperature: More tolerant of cold than heat, so provide extra shade during summer.
Growth: 6-8 feet tall and wide, larger with age
Ideal for: Specimen plantings, privacy screens, and woodland gardens

Yuletide Camellia - Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide'

Yuletide Camellia This evergreen produces single red flowers with bright yellow stamens, providing vivid color from fall through winter.

Light: Best grown in filtered light or light shade, particularly during the hottest part of the day.
Bloom Time: Fall through winter
Watering: Water frequently in the summer months, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist.
Temperature: Provide protection from direct sun and reflected heat.
Growth: 8-10 feet tall and wide
Ideal for: Borders, Zen gardens, and privacy screens

Camellia Care

For all camellias in the Valley, it’s important to protect them from our extreme summer heat, provide them with sufficient water, and ensure they have well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Proper mulching, shade, and frequent watering will keep them healthy, even in our desert environment.

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