Pink Camellias: 20 Varieties for a Showstopping Garden

Pink camellias are a garden classic, combining timeless beauty with year-round appeal. These evergreen shrubs dazzle with their glossy green foliage and exquisite blooms, ranging from delicate blush tones to deep, rich pinks. With around 26,000 cultivars developed by horticulturalists, there’s no shortage of stunning options to choose from. In this guide, we’ll explore 20 of the most captivating pink camellias, each offering unique charm and character to elevate your garden.

1) Camellia sasanqua ‘Plantation Pink’

Camellia sasanqua ‘Plantation Pink’ holds a special place in my garden—it’s one of those plants that turns heads every time it blooms.

You’re in for a treat if you haven’t met this beauty yet. Its soft, pink petals are like silk ribbons fluttering in the breeze, with a center of golden stamens that practically glows. Every time I see it, I can’t help but smile.

What I love most about ‘Plantation Pink’—besides its sheer elegance—is the light, sweet fragrance that greets you as you walk by. It’s subtle but unforgettable, like the scent of spring. And here’s a bonus: it blooms early in the camellia season, offering a burst of color when much of the garden is winding down.

In my experience, this variety is happiest in a cozy, protected spot with plenty of sunlight or dappled shade. It’s a big personality too—it can grow up to 20 feet tall if you let it, making it perfect for screening or as a focal point.

If you’re in Zones 7 to 9, give it some space and a little love, and it will reward you with years of effortless elegance.

Scientific Name:	Camellia sasanqua ‘Plantation Pink’
Growing Zones:	7 to 9
Flowering Season:	Fall to winter
Light Requirements:	Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:	Up to 20 feet

2) Camellia japonica ‘Jerry Hill’

Camellia japonica ‘Jerry Hill’ has quickly become one of my favorites—it’s the kind of plant that earns its place in a garden for generations.

Hardy and dependable, it produces lush, rose-like double blooms in a shade of pink that’s nothing short of mesmerizing.

What sets ‘Jerry Hill’ apart for me is its resilience. Growing well in Zones 6 to 10, it’s tough enough to handle cooler climates yet graceful enough to fit into more temperate gardens.

I’ve planted mine in a sheltered spot with morning sun and a bit of afternoon shade, and it’s been thriving ever since. At about 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide, it’s the perfect size—large enough to stand out but not so big that it feels overwhelming.

Scientific Name:	Camellia japonica ‘Jerry Hill’
Growing Zones:	6 to 10
Flowering Season:	Winter to spring
Light Requirements:	Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:	Up to 12 feet

3) E.G. Waterhouse Camellia

The E.G. Waterhouse camellia is the kind of plant that stops you in your tracks. Its large, double pink blooms—up to four inches across—are like works of art, unfurling from January through May.

What makes this variety even more special is its pedigree. As a hybrid of Camellia japonica and Camellia saluenensis, it combines the best of both worlds: show-stopping blooms and reliable growth. In Zones 7 to 8, it’s a cold-hardy champion, and with the potential to grow 15 feet tall and wide, it can easily become the centerpiece of any outdoor space.

For me, the trick to keeping E.G. Waterhouse happy is choosing the right spot—somewhere sheltered with dappled light or partial shade. If you’re after a camellia that delivers both beauty and presence, this one’s a keeper.

Scientific Name:	Camellia x williamsii ‘E.G. Waterhouse’
Growing Zones:	7 to 8
Flowering Season:	Late winter to late spring
Light Requirements:	Partial shade to full shade
Mature Height:	Up to 15 feet

4) Camellia x williamsii ‘Anticipation’

Camellia × williamsii ‘Anticipation’ lives up to its name—it’s a plant you eagerly look forward to seeing in bloom. Its deep pink, double flowers have that dreamy, peony-like form that feels as luxurious as it looks. The ruffled inner petals give each bloom a soft, full appearance, like a perfectly arranged bouquet straight from nature’s own hands.

What I love about ‘Anticipation’ is how forgiving it is. If you’re newer to camellias or looking for a reliable showstopper, this cultivar is one of the easiest to grow. It thrives in Zones 7 to 9, happily filling sheltered spots with partial or full shade.

In the right conditions, it can reach up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide—a true garden giant with a graceful demeanor.

Scientific Name:	Camellia x williamsii ‘Anticipation’
Growing Zones:	7 to 9
Flowering Season:	Fall to late spring
Light Requirements:	Partial shade to full shade
Mature Height:	Up to 15 feet

5) Camellia ‘Pink Icicle’

Camellia ‘Pink Icicle’ is a masterpiece of American breeding, brought to life by Dr. William Ackerman at the U.S. National Arboretum. A cross between Camellia × williamsii ‘November Pink’ and Camellia oleifera, this hybrid combines hardiness with undeniable elegance.

The blooms are what truly steal the show—soft shell pink, peony-form flowers that can measure up to five inches across. Whether double or semi-double, each blossom feels like a celebration of late winter and early spring, brightening up the garden just when you need it most.

What I admire about ‘Pink Icicle’ is its balance. It’s substantial enough to make an impact, reaching up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, yet it doesn’t overwhelm.

It’s ideally suited for Zones 6b to 9 and thrives in partial shade, especially in a sheltered spot where it can show off without harsh winds ruffling its petals.

Scientific Name:	Camellia x ‘Pink Icicle’
Growing Zones:	6b to 9
Flowering Season:	Late winter to spring
Light Requirements:	Partial shade
Mature Height:	Up to 10 feet

6) Camellia x williamsii ‘Joe Nuccio’

Camellia × williamsii ‘Joe Nuccio’ is the kind of flower that steals hearts at first glance. Its formal double blooms are a study in elegance, with petals that curve inward like a delicate rose and a subtle two-tone effect that deepens toward the edges. Blooming from February to April, it’s a late winter treat that feels like a promise of spring.

What makes ‘Joe Nuccio’ truly stand out, though, is its refined beauty combined with an approachable size. It grows into a mid-sized shrub, reaching about 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide over the course of a decade.

That slow, steady growth gives you time to enjoy its journey—from a young plant full of potential to a mature shrub with presence and grace.

Scientific Name:	Camellia x williamsii ‘Joe Nuccio’
Growing Zones:	6 to 9
Flowering Season:	Late winter to spring
Light Requirements:	Partial shade
Mature Height:	Up to 10 feet

7) Camellia japonica ‘Debutante’

Camellia japonica ‘Debutante’ is a garden classic that lives up to its elegant name. With its soft, pale pink blooms, this cultivar feels like the floral equivalent of a graceful waltz at a spring soirée. Its informal double flowers, about 3 inches wide, have a delicate, almost ruffled quality, while the glossy light green leaves add beauty year-round.

What I love most about ‘Debutante’ is its unhurried charm. It’s a slow grower, taking up to 20 years to reach its mature size of around 8 feet tall and wide. But that patience pays off—this camellia rewards you with a long blooming season every spring, making it a steady source of joy in the garden.

Scientific Name:	Camellia japonica ‘Debutante’
Growing Zones:	7 to 9
Flowering Season:	Spring
Light Requirements:	Partial sun
Mature Height:	Up to 8 feet

8) Camellia sasanqua ‘Maiden’s Blush’

Camellia sasanqua ‘Maiden’s Blush’ is as charming as its name suggests. Its delicate pale pink blooms, either single or semi-double, exude an understated elegance, and their subtle fragrance is just enough to make you pause and appreciate the moment. The flowers remind me of clematis vines, with their graceful, open form that feels light and effortless.

Reaching up to 10 feet tall and wide, ‘Maiden’s Blush’ has a balanced presence, perfect for adding softness to any garden.

This early-season bloomer thrives in Zones 7 to 9 and is happiest in a sheltered spot with full sun or partial shade.

I’ve found it to be one of the easier camellias to grow—a forgiving plant that rewards you with its beauty year after year.

Scientific Name:	Camellia sasanqua ‘Maiden’s Blush’
Growing Zones:	7 to 9
Flowering Season:	Fall
Light Requirements:	Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:	Up to 10 feet

9) Camellia × williamsii ‘Donation’

Camellia × williamsii ‘Donation’ isn’t just another pink camellia—it’s a legend. With semi-double blooms that flaunt delicate pink veins across their petals, each flower feels like a hand-painted masterpiece.

At up to 5 inches wide, these blossoms demand attention, yet they remain effortlessly elegant. It’s no wonder this hybrid earned a place in the US National Hall of Fame.

Blooming from January to March, ‘Donation’ brings a welcome burst of color during the quiet winter months. This mid-season marvel thrives in Zones 7 to 8 and prefers a sheltered spot with partial shade to show off its full potential.

Its vigorous growth habit and undeniable beauty have made it one of the most celebrated camellia varieties ever crafted—a true garden star.

Scientific Name:	Camellia × williamsii ‘Donation’
Growing Zones:	7 to 8
Flowering Season:	Winter to spring
Light Requirements:	Partial shade to full shade
Mature Height:	Up to 15 feet

10) Camellia x williamsii ‘Ballet Queen’

Camellia × williamsii ‘Ballet Queen’ lives up to its name, bringing grace and poise to the garden. Its large, peony-form double blooms are a spectacle, with ruffled centers that give them an almost regal flair.

For those who love a touch of the unexpected, there’s even a variegated version that adds extra character to this already stunning hybrid.

Blooming in clusters, ‘Ballet Queen’ puts on a show with every flower. The soft, subtle fragrance it produces is just enough to draw you in closer. Growing up to 10 feet tall and around 5 feet wide, it’s perfectly proportioned for creating vertical drama in smaller spaces or anchoring a shaded corner in Zones 7 to 10.

Scientific Name:	Camellia x williamsii ‘Ballet Queen’
Growing Zones:	7 to 10
Flowering Season:	Spring
Light Requirements:	Partial shade
Mature Height:	Up to 10 feet

11) Camellia japonica ‘Paul Jones Supreme’

Camellia japonica ‘Paul Jones Supreme’ is a head-turner in the world of camellias. Its light pink, semi-double peony-form blooms are graceful yet bold, often adorned with striking dark red flecks or stripes that feel like nature’s own brushstrokes.

Growing best in Zones 7 to 9, ‘Paul Jones Supreme’ thrives in partial to full shade, making it an ideal choice for those quieter, sheltered garden spots.

It’s a patient grower, taking up to 20 years to reach its full height, but good things truly come to those who wait. With its slow, steady development, it offers years of anticipation and reward.

For me, this variety feels like the perfect mix of elegance and surprise. The blooms are soft and delicate at first glance, but those red accents add a touch of drama.

Scientific Name:	Camellia japonica ‘Paul Jones Supreme’
Growing Zones:	7 to 9
Flowering Season:	Spring
Light Requirements:	Partial shade to full shade
Mature Height:	Up to 10 feet

12) Camellia sasanqua ‘October Magic Rose’

Camellia sasanqua ‘October Magic Rose’ brings a burst of rich color to the autumn garden. Its dark pink double blooms, often clustered together, create a show-stopping display. As part of the ‘October Magic’ series, this variety lives up to its enchanting name with flowers that feel both bold and refined.

Reaching up to 8 feet tall and around 4 feet wide, ‘October Magic Rose’ has a balanced stature that makes it versatile—perfect as a striking hedge, a focal point, or even a container plant.

Thriving in Zones 7 to 9, it’s a resilient choice that can handle both full sun and partial shade, a trait that makes it a bit of a crowd-pleaser.

What I love most about ‘October Magic Rose’ is its timing. When most gardens are starting to wind down, this camellia steps in to steal the show with its vivid blooms.

Scientific Name:	Camellia sasanqua ‘October Magic Rose’
Growing Zones:	7 to 9
Flowering Season:	Fall
Light Requirements:	Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:	Up to 8 feet

13) Camellia japonica ‘Doctor King’

Camellia japonica ‘Doctor King’ is a springtime gem that commands attention with its reddish-pink blooms.

Whether single or semi-double, these flowers are vibrant and eye-catching, accented by a crown of golden-yellow stamens that almost seem to glow against the petals.

Beyond its blooms, ‘Doctor King’ is a beauty year-round. Its dark green, glossy leaves add structure and depth, making it a standout even when it’s not in flower. This evergreen shrub grows to an impressive 10 feet tall and about 8 feet wide, providing both color and substance to shady, sheltered spots in Zones 8 to 10.

For me, ‘Doctor King’ is a perfect fit for those tucked-away corners of the garden where you want a pop of color without sacrificing elegance.

Scientific Name:	Camellia japonica ‘Doctor King’
Growing Zones:	8 to 10
Flowering Season:	Spring
Light Requirements:	Partial shade to full shade
Mature Height:	Up to 10 feet

14) Camellia ‘Spring Festival’

Camellia ‘Spring Festival’ is a celebration of spring in full bloom. Its semi-double, pale pink flowers have an airy grace, with each large petal framing a delicate cluster of stamens at the center. Bred from Camellia cuspidata, this hybrid carries a sense of refinement while remaining approachable and easy to grow.

Reaching up to 12 feet tall and spreading about 10 feet wide, ‘Spring Festival’ offers both beauty and presence. It thrives in Zones 7 to 9 and is happiest in a sheltered spot with partial shade, where it can show off its mid to late-season blooms.

Scientific Name:	Camellia x williamsii ‘Spring Festival’
Growing Zones:	7 to 9
Flowering Season:	Spring
Light Requirements:	Partial shade
Mature Height:	Up to 12 feet

15) Camellia japonica ‘Nuccio’s Cameo’

Camellia japonica ‘Nuccio’s Cameo’ offers formal double blooms in soft light pink that look like they’ve been crafted with the precision of a jeweler.

At up to 4.5 inches wide, these flowers make a graceful yet bold statement, blooming from late winter into early spring—a welcome splash of beauty in the cooler months.

This variety grows up to 10 feet tall and around 8 feet wide, making it a standout shrub that can anchor a garden bed or provide a stunning backdrop. ‘Nuccio’s Cameo’ thrives in Zones 8 to 10 and prefers a sheltered spot with partial to full shade, where it can shine without the harshness of direct sun.

For me, ‘Nuccio’s Cameo’ feels like a plant for those who appreciate the finer details. It’s refined yet approachable, with blooms that invite admiration but never overwhelm.

Scientific Name:	Camellia japonica ‘Nuccio’s Cameo’
Growing Zones:	8 to 10
Flowering Season:	Late winter to spring
Light Requirements:	Partial shade to full shade
Mature Height:	Up to 10 feet

16) Camellia × williamsii ‘Debbie’

Camellia × williamsii ‘Debbie’ is a showstopper that earns its reputation with every bloom. Its large, semi-double, peony-form flowers are a stunning shade of pink, with ruffled petals that give them a soft, almost romantic appearance.

‘Debbie’ flowers from January through March, brightening the winter months with its graceful presence. Thriving in Zones 7 to 8, it reaches a commanding height of up to 15 feet and spreads around 10 feet wide, making it perfect for creating structure and drama in a garden. It’s happiest in a shaded, sheltered spot, where it’s protected from cold snaps and strong winds.

For me, ‘Debbie’ is a statement camellia, one that turns heads but doesn’t demand too much fuss. It’s ideal for gardeners who want a reliable performer that brings elegance and scale to their space.

Scientific Name:	Camellia × williamsii ‘Debbie’
Growing Zones:	7 to 8
Flowering Season:	Late winter to spring
Light Requirements:	Partial shade to full shade
Mature Height:	Up to 15 feet

17) Camellia ‘Winter’s Star’

Camellia ‘Winter’s Star’ lives up to its name, offering a bright spot of color during the cooler months.

Developed as part of the US National Arboretum Collection, this compact hybrid combines the best traits of Camellia hiemalis ‘Showa-no-sakae’ and Camellia oleifera ‘Lu Shan Snow.’ Its single, purple-pink blooms are understated yet elegant, accented by golden-yellow stamens that add a touch of warmth to the delicate petals.

At just 6 feet tall and 7 feet wide, ‘Winter’s Star’ is perfect for smaller gardens or as part of a layered planting design. Its compact size doesn’t detract from its presence—those subtle pink flowers can brighten even the shadiest corners. It thrives in Zones 7 to 9, preferring sheltered areas with partial or full shade to protect it from harsh conditions.

What I love about ‘Winter’s Star’ is its quiet charm. It’s not flashy, but its blooms feel like a little gift from the garden when most other plants are taking a break.

Scientific Name:	Camellia ‘Winter’s Star’
Growing Zones:	7 to 9
Flowering Season:	Fall
Light Requirements:	Partial shade to full shade
Mature Height:	Up to 6 feet

18) Camellia japonica ‘Pink Perfection’

Camellia japonica ‘Pink Perfection’ has a timeless charm that captivated Victorian gardeners and continues to enchant today.

Its pale pink formal double blooms are impeccably arranged, with each petal layered so precisely that they look almost too perfect to be real. These flowers grace the garden from January to May, offering months of beauty when you need it most.

Thriving in Zones 7 to 9, ‘Pink Perfection’ grows up to 10 feet tall and spreads about 8 feet wide, making it an elegant addition to sheltered spots with partial shade. It appreciates protection from harsh winds, where its delicate blooms can flourish without interruption.

Scientific Name:	Camellia japonica ‘Pink Perfection’
Growing Zones:	7 to 9
Flowering Season:	Late winter to late spring
Light Requirements:	Partial shade
Mature Height:	Up to 10 feet

19) Camellia sasanqua ‘Cleopatra’

Camellia sasanqua ‘Cleopatra’ brings a touch of royalty to the garden with its rose-pink semi-double blooms.

These delicate flowers, accented by sunny yellow stamens, appear from fall into winter, providing a welcome splash of color when most plants have taken their seasonal rest. The glossy dark green leaves add year-round appeal, making ‘Cleopatra’ a standout even when it’s not in bloom.

Reaching up to 10 feet tall and wide, this camellia creates a striking focal point, especially during the colder months when its blooms feel all the more special. It thrives in Zones 7 to 9, preferring a sheltered location with partial or full shade to protect its delicate flowers from harsh conditions.

Scientific Name:	Camellia sasanqua ‘Cleopatra’
Growing Zones:	7 to 9
Flowering Season:	Fall to winter
Light Requirements:	Partial shade to full shade
Mature Height:	Up to 10 feet

20) Camellia japonica ‘Betty Sheffield Pink’

Camellia japonica ‘Betty Sheffield Pink’ is a stunning addition to any garden, offering blooms that are as bold as they are beautiful.

Part of the renowned ‘Betty Sheffield’ series, this variety showcases deep pink semi-double flowers that can reach an impressive 6 inches wide, making each bloom a true centerpiece. The glossy dark green leaves, stretching up to 4 inches, provide the perfect backdrop, highlighting the vibrant color of the petals.

This late-season camellia comes to life in spring, rewarding gardeners with a burst of color just as the season hits its stride.

Growing up to 10 feet tall and wide, ‘Betty Sheffield Pink’ thrives in Zones 7 to 9. It prefers a sheltered spot with partial shade, where its blooms can shine while being protected from harsh conditions.

Scientific Name:	Camellia japonica ‘Betty Sheffield Pink’
Growing Zones:	7 to 9
Flowering Season:	Spring
Light Requirements:	Partial shade
Mature Height:	Up to 10 feet

Wrapping Up

Pink camellias offer something special for every garden, whether you’re drawn to the delicate simplicity of a single bloom or the layered elegance of a formal double. With their wide range of sizes, forms, and bloom times—from early fall to late spring—there’s a pink camellia that fits perfectly into any landscape or garden style. These versatile shrubs thrive in sheltered locations with partial shade or gentle sunlight, providing a stunning display while remaining relatively low-maintenance. Whether you’re seeking a dramatic focal point or a reliable backdrop of year-round beauty, pink camellias bring timeless charm to any outdoor space.

Further reading: Explore the best types of red camellias to grow in your garden.