Sasanqua camellias tend to be more open, have small leaves, and have small blooms in the fall. There are hundreds of camellia cultivars. Bloom color ranges from white to pale pink to dark red. Camellias are hardy in USDA Zones 7 and 8, and some cultivars can be grown in Zone 6. Camellia japonica will normally survive in temperatures as low as 10 degrees F, but sudden changes in temperature can damage the foliage or kill open flower buds.
Many new cultivars have exceptional winter hardiness.
Red-blooming cultivars are more sun tolerant then white or pink flowering cultivars. In the winter, camellias need protection from direct sun and drying winds. A planting site under tall pine trees or on the north or west side of a building is ideal. Plants grown in full sun may develop leaf scorch. Inspect plants closely before buying.