Hardy Camellia Plants
Camellias for zone 6 are usually categorized as spring blooming or fall blooming, although in warmer climates of the Deep South they may bloom all throughout the winter months. Cold winter temperatures in zone 6 will usually nip the flower buds, giving zone 6 camellia plants a shorter bloom time than warm climate camellias. In zone 6, the most popular hardy camellia plants are the Winter Series, created by Dr. Ackerman, and the April Series, created by Dr. Parks. Below are lists of spring blooming and fall blooming camellias for zone 6:
Spring Blooming Camellias
April Tryst – red flowers April Snow – white flowers April Rose – red to pink flowers April Remembered – cream to pink flowers April Dawn – pink to white flowers April Blush – pink flowers Betty Sette – pink flowers Fire ‘n Ice – red flowers Ice Follies – pink flowers Spring Icicle – pink flowers Pink Icicle – pink flowers Korean Fire – pink flowers
Fall Blooming Camellias
Winter’s Waterlily – white flowers Winter’s Star – red to purple flowers Winter’s Rose – pink flowers Winter’s Peony – pink flowers Winter’s Interlude – pink to purple flowers Winter’s Hope – white flowers Winter’s Fire – red to pink flowers Winter’s Dream – pink flowers Winter’s Charm – lavender to pink flowers Winter’s Beauty – pink flowers Polar Ice – white flowers Snow Flurry – white flowers Survivor – white flowers Mason Farm – white flowers
Growing Camellias in Zone 6 Gardens
Most of the above-listed camellias are labeled as hardy in zone 6b, which is the slightly warmer part of zone 6. This labeling has come from years of trials and testing of their winter survival rate. In zone 6a, the slightly cooler areas of zone 6, it is recommended that these camellias be given some extra winter protection. To protect tender camellias, grow them in an area where they are protected from cold winter winds and give their roots added insulation of a nice, deep heap of mulch around the root zone.
