There’s something truly captivating about camellias—their lush green foliage, elegant blooms, and ability to thrive in shaded garden spaces make them a favourite in many Australian backyards. These evergreen shrubs provide year-round beauty and seasonal charm, especially during late autumn and winter when colour in the garden can be scarce. Among the most popular varieties is Camellia japonica, renowned for its stunning, layered blooms and glossy leaves. Whether you're planning a feature shrub, flowering hedge, or container plant for patios and courtyards, camellias offer versatility and timeless elegance that suit a range of garden styles.
Camellias for Every Purpose and Taste
One of the most intriguing varieties for both ornamental and practical purposes is Camellia sinensis, the very plant used to produce tea. Native to Asia, this species produces small, white flowers with a golden centre and attractive green foliage. While it may not have the showy flowers of some ornamental varieties, it makes up for that with functionality and subtle charm.
This variety thrives in part-shade positions and cooler climates, making it well-suited to southern Australian regions. Gardeners can enjoy its delicate appearance while experimenting with drying leaves for homemade teas. It’s a delightful addition to edible gardens and cottage landscapes alike, offering more than just a pretty face. Plus, its dense habit makes it useful as a small hedge or screening plant.
A Bloom That Never Goes Out of Style
The beauty of a camellia flower is hard to ignore. With varieties that offer single, semi-double, and fully double blooms, these plants deliver exceptional floral displays from autumn through early spring. In a season when many plants go dormant, camellias provide vivid pops of colour—ranging from snowy white to pastel pinks and bold reds.
Blooms often last several weeks on the plant, making them a dependable source of colour through the colder months. They’re also popular as cut flowers, with their long-lasting nature and formal aesthetic ideal for vases and indoor arrangements. Some varieties even offer a subtle fragrance, adding to their garden appeal. Whether nestled into a quiet shaded corner or standing proud in a container, camellias create a soft and sophisticated atmosphere.
Hedges and Hues with Camellia Sasanqua
If you’re looking for a hardier, faster-growing camellia variety, Camellia sasanqua might be your best bet. With smaller leaves and slightly earlier blooms compared to japonica types, these camellias are ideal for creating formal hedges or informal screens. They tolerate more sun and wind than other types, giving gardeners more placement options around the yard.
Their flowers are often single or semi-double, which allows rain to pass through more easily—making them less prone to spotting or damage in wet conditions. Camellia sasanqua is also prized for its fine texture, attractive habit, and light scent. It's perfect for driveway borders, side fences, or even espaliered against a wall for a statement look. With their ease of care and refined appearance, they’re a reliable performer in both traditional and modern gardens.
Camellia Varieties
Camellia Japonica, Black Tie
Camellia Sasanqua, Paradise Blush
Camellia Japonica, Brushfield's Yellow
Camellia Japonica, Red Red Rose
Camellia Sasanqua, Hiryu
Planting and Maintenance Tips
Camellias are surprisingly low maintenance once established. They prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. When planting, it’s essential to choose a spot with morning sun or filtered light. Avoid hot afternoon exposure, especially for japonica types, as it can scorch leaves and damage blooms.
Mulching is vital to keep roots cool and retain soil moisture, particularly during summer. Feed your camellias in early spring and again in late summer with a specialised fertiliser to promote healthy growth and flower production. Pruning is generally minimal—just remove spent blooms and any unruly branches after flowering. With a little attention, camellias will reward you with dense foliage and beautiful blooms for decades.
From functional tea plants to flowering hedges and vibrant focal points, camellias bring structure, colour, and elegance to Australian gardens year-round. Their adaptability to shaded areas, ability to bloom during the off-season, and range of flower forms make them a worthy investment for any green space.
Whether you're seeking a vibrant winter bloomer or a statement evergreen, consider exploring our curated selection of camellia varieties at Online Plants. To learn more or place your order, give us a call on 0428110584 today and bring lasting beauty to your home garden.