Camellia survives best in well drained, moist (not soggy), and slightly acidic soils, with a pH level of 5.0 to 5.5. The flowering shrubs also survive best in hardiness zones 6 – 9 and prefer shaded areas. In fact, camellias will not grow and thrive under direct sunlight. The flowering shrub can also grow perfectly in clay, loamy, and sandy soils.