Genus guide
Camellia — 30 species
Camellias are elegant, slow-growing evergreen shrubs prized for their waxy, rose-like blooms from autumn through spring. They thrive in dappled or morning sun with afternoon shade and prefer consistently moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil — watering deeply once a week during the growing season suits most cultivars, including the showy Adolphe Audusson and Nuccio's Gems japonicas. Toxicity varies across the genus: ornamental species like C. japonica are ASPCA-listed non-toxic to pets, but C. sinensis (tea plant) contains caffeine and methylxanthines that are harmful to cats and dogs. Check each species before buying.
All Camellia species we cover
- Adolphe Audusson camellia
- Adolphe Audusson Camellia
- Camellia 'Alba Plena'
- Camellia 'Anticipation'
- Camellia 'Bob Hope'
- Camellia 'Brushfield's Yellow'
- Camellia 'Debbie'
- Camellia 'Dixie Knight'
- Camellia 'Donation'
- Camellia 'Elegans'
- Camellia 'Hagoromo'
- Camellia 'J.C. Williams'
- Camellia 'Jury's Yellow'
- Camellia 'Jury's Yellow'
- Camellia 'Kramer's Supreme'
- Camellia 'Midnight Magic'
- Camellia 'Mine-no-Yuki'
- Camellia 'Nuccio's Gem'
- Camellia 'Spring Festival'
- Camellia 'Water Lily'
- Camellia 'Yuletide'
- Japanese Camellia
- Japanese Camellia 'Nuccio's Pearl'
- net-vein camellia
- Nuccio's Gems camellia
- Sasanqua Camellia
- Sasanqua Camellia 'Yuletide'
- tea plant
- white double camellia
- Yuletide Sasanqua Camellia
Camellia — frequently asked questions
Are Camellia plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Camellia are pet-safe. Of the 30 Camellia species we cover, 25 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 5 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even so, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.
How much light do Camellia plants need?
Most Camellia do best in bright indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Camellia easy to care for?
Camellia are moderate to grow: the main requirement is a genuinely bright spot out of harsh midday sun. Get the light right and the rest of their care follows.
How many Camellia varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 30 Camellia species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Camellia, the rest follow closely.
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