Plants of C. oleifera growing at USNA and Maryland sites showed no winter injury. Dr. William L. Ackerman then made a series of interspecific crosses between C. oleifera and C. sasanqua , C. hiemalis , or C. vernalis selections. Hybrids were distributed for evaluation to cooperators in five eastern states in 1982-1983. All six were released in 1991 and have been registered with the American Camellia Society. Mulch should be applied and maintained year round.
Camellias benefit from light shade in summer and protection from winter wind.
Fertilize minimally to prevent leggy, unattractive growth. Propagating selections on own roots is recommended. If grafted, use cold hardy understock such as C. oleifera . Lovely as specimen plants, foundation plantings, or naturalistic plantings at the edge of a woodland.