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.