All of this glory sits atop shiny, green leaves that stay neat year- round. Hundreds of different camellias can be found in garden centers and mail- order catalogs, and at camellia shows. This is the best time to buy because you'll see what flowers you'll get. Start by checking with nurseries that stock large selections, and visit some of the camellia shows scheduled this month. You will find that japonicas are by far and away the most widespread camellias.
Japonicas are excellent foundation plants, flourishing in northern or eastern exposures.
It is an upright, beautiful shrub with a great big flower, kind of a rose color. It's a wonderful plant for a home gardener. But japonicas are not the only game in town. Many of the sasanqua and hiemalis camellias are tough, lower-growing plants that thrive as ground cover in bright light or even full sun. Not to worry.