Camellias
Camellias are often thought of as a quintessential Southern garden plant. There are representatives of classic hybrids, rarely seen species and even Camellia sinensis (Tea Plant) from which tea is produced.
Most of these evergreen shrubs are grown in the (Southern Seasons Garden) along the Camellia Walk. They’re valued for their cold hardiness and long bloom season.
You’ll certainaly find the large, double, red-flowering classic Camellia japonica ‘Kramer’s Supreme’. Other large doubles come in a kaleidoscope of pinks, whites and peppermint stripes. Single petaled flowers can cover these tall evergreen shrubs from top to bottom in pinks, whites and reds.
At the Garden, Camellias flower from early autumn to late spring.
There are uncommonly grown species that vary from delicate one-inch leaves and flowers to thick glossy toothed leaves with tight branches bearing white bell-like flowers. The Garden also collaborates with plant breeders throughout the Southeast to evaluate camellia introductions.
For visitors, these old Southern favorites often lend a nostalgic experience.