Camellias are very popular evergreen flowering shrubs. Glossy, dark green foliage and winter or early blooming flowers are great compliments to one another. Flowers are typically white, pink, red or occasionally yellow in colour and can be single or double in type.
Camellia sasanqua, or Sasanqua Camellias bloom in mid-winter, often before Christmas.
Japanese Camellias, Camellia japonica, varieties bloom in later winter or early spring. Both are equally attractive
While generally hardy in the Pacific Northwest, Camellias are best planted in sheltered, woodland type locations or near a building, or perhaps underneath an overhang. This is to protect the winter blooming flowers from rain, show and the elements. They are excellent in part shade, but will tolerate full sun in moister soils. Like Rhododendrons, they also prefer an acidic soil.