17 Red Camellia Flowers to Grow: From Crimson to Scarlet
Camellias are a gardener’s delight, offering 224 species and endless hybrids and cultivars to choose from. Their blooms span a kaleidoscope of colors, but there’s something undeniably striking about red camellias. We’ve handpicked a few standout varieties that can bring depth, drama, and charm to your garden.
1. Camellia ‘Black Lace’
The Black Lace Camellia, a hybrid introduced in 1965, is a true showstopper. Its deep red blooms carry a silvery, velvet-like shimmer that feels almost otherworldly.
The large, formal double flowers command attention, especially against the glossy, dark green leaves that frame them.
This evergreen shrub keeps your garden looking lush year-round and treats you to its elegant blossoms from November through April—perfect for adding a touch of romance to the cooler months.
| Scientific Name | Camellia reticulata × williamsii ‘Black Lace’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season | Late fall to early spring |
| Light Requirements | Full to partial shade |
| Mature Height | 10 feet |
2. Camellia ‘Dr. Burnside’
The Dr. Burnside Camellia is an evergreen beauty that delivers bold, cherry-red blooms with flair.
Its semi-double flowers feature layers of ruffled petals that frame a striking burst of golden-yellow stamens at the center.
Growing up to 13 feet tall, this variety doesn’t just add height—it makes a statement. With lush foliage and a spring display that’s nothing short of breathtaking, it’s the kind of plant that turns heads and earns compliments.
| Scientific Name | Camellia japonica ‘Dr. Burnside’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 8 |
| Flowering Season | Spring |
| Light Requirements | Partial shade to partial sun |
| Mature Height | 13 feet |
3. Camellia ‘Dr. Clifford Parks’
Bred in 1970, this hybrid is the result of a clever cross between Camellia japonica ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ and Camellia reticulata ‘Crimson Robe.’
It’s a true giant among camellias, reaching an impressive 20 feet in both height and width. The blooms are equally grand, with peony to semi-double forms painted in fiery reddish-orange tones. At the heart of each flower, vibrant yellow anthers steal the show, adding a cheerful contrast to its springtime display.
This camellia is a bold choice for anyone looking to make a serious impact in the garden.
| Scientific Name | Camellia japonica x reticulata ‘Dr. Clifford Parks’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season | Mid-spring |
| Light Requirements | Partial shade to partial sun |
| Mature Height | 10 to 20 feet |
4. Camellia ‘Emperor of Russia’
The Camellia ‘Emperor of Russia’ lives up to its regal name with a striking presence and versatile growth habit. Whether pruned into a stately tree or kept as a bushy shrub, it commands attention.
Its oversized peony-form flowers boast scarlet petals playfully flecked with white, while the smaller central petaloids spiral elegantly around clusters of golden anthers.
The glossy, kelly-green leaves add a lush backdrop, making this variety a standout choice for gardeners who appreciate a touch of drama and sophistication.
| Scientific Name | Camellia japonica ‘Emperor of Russia’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zone 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season | Early winter through spring |
| Light Requirements | Partial shade to partial sun |
| Mature Height | 3 to 6 feet |
5. Camellia ‘Grand Slam’
The Camellia ‘Grand Slam,’ introduced in 1962 by Nuccio’s Nurseries in Altadena, California, truly lives up to its name. This standout variety quickly gained popularity, even earning the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit.
Mature plants can reach an impressive 13 feet tall, making them a bold feature in any landscape.
Its large to very large semi-double flowers, drenched in vibrant scarlet, create a showstopping display that turns your garden into a real crowd-pleaser.
| Scientific Name | Camellia japonica ‘Grand Slam’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10 |
| Flowering Season | Late winter to mid-spring |
| Light Requirements | Partial shade to partial sun |
| Mature Height | 13 feet |
6. Camellia ‘Freedom Bell’
1962 proved to be a landmark year for Nuccio’s Nurseries, bringing us not just the ‘Grand Slam’ but also the delightful Camellia ‘Freedom Bell.’
This moderately sized shrub features rich, dark-green foliage that provides the perfect backdrop for its unique blooms. Clusters of coral-red, semi-double, funnel-shaped flowers adorn the plant, swaying gracefully on long, slender stems.
It’s a variety that feels as elegant as it is approachable—perfect for gardeners seeking a touch of understated beauty.
| Scientific Name | Camellia x williamsii ‘Freedom Bell’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season | Early winter to early spring |
| Light Requirements | Partial shade to partial sun |
| Mature Height | 7 to 8 feet |
7. Camellia ‘Kimberley’
The Camellia ‘Kimberley’ is a striking evergreen shrub that can reach up to 13 feet tall, offering year-round beauty with its rich, glossy green foliage.
In spring, it comes alive with a profusion of cup-shaped, single-form blossoms. Each flower features five scarlet petals encircling a bright golden center of bold stamens.
While the blooms are modest in size—around 3 inches across—the sheer number of them creates a dazzling display that’s hard to overlook.
It’s proof that sometimes, less is more, especially when delivered in abundance.
| Scientific Name | Camellia japonica ‘Kimberley’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season | Spring |
| Light Requirements | Partial shade to partial sun |
| Mature Height | 8 to 13 feet |
8. Camellia ‘Les Jury’
The Camellia ‘Les Jury’ may be smaller in size, but it doesn’t skimp on impact. Its evergreen foliage stays lush year-round, while its flowers bring cheer to the garden from winter through early spring.
The blossoms are showstoppers—large, rose-like formal doubles in a rich crimson hue. It’s no surprise this variety has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, a testament to its beauty and reliability.
Perfect for adding a pop of color when the garden needs it most.
| Scientific Name | Camellia x williamsii ‘Les Jury’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 8 |
| Flowering Season | Winter to early spring |
| Light Requirements | Full shade to partial sun |
| Mature Height | 4 to 6 feet |
9. Camellia ‘Margherita Coleoni’
The Camellia ‘Margherita Coleoni’ is a versatile, moderately sized shrub that offers year-round appeal with its rich, dark-green evergreen foliage.
Its standout feature, however, is the stunning display of large, formal double flowers. These range from deep scarlet to a soft pinkish-amaranth red, creating a spectrum of beauty.
For an extra touch of charm, variegated varieties produce blooms flecked with white, adding an artistic twist to its blooming season.
It’s a delightful choice for anyone looking to bring color and elegance to their garden.
| Scientific Name | Camellia japonica ‘Margherita Coleoni’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season | Spring |
| Light Requirements | Full to partial shade |
| Mature Height | 5 to 7 feet |
10. Camellia ‘Yuletide’
The Camellia ‘Yuletide’ is a festive favorite, thanks to its cheerful red blooms and compact, tidy growth habit.
Its glossy, vibrant-green foliage keeps things fresh year-round, while the single-form flowers steal the spotlight during the cooler months.
Though smaller than some camellia varieties, each bloom is a charmer, with five vivid red petals surrounding a sunny burst of pom-pom-like yellow stamens.
Mature plants typically grow about two feet taller than they are wide, making this variety perfect for smaller spaces or as a seasonal centerpiece in the garden.
| Scientific Name | Camellia sasanqua ‘Yuletide’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zone 7 to 10 |
| Flowering Season | Fall to winter |
| Light Requirements | Full to partial shade |
| Mature Height | 8 to 10 feet |
11. Kramer’s Supreme Red Camellia
The Kramer’s Supreme Red Camellia is a true standout, celebrated for its beauty and fragrance.
Its large, five-inch blossoms feature a lush, rose double form with layers of petals in a vibrant pinkish-red hue. A winner of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden Merit Award, this variety brings elegance and charm to any garden.
Blooming from winter through spring, it also provides year-round interest with its glossy evergreen foliage. It’s a reliable choice for gardeners who want both visual appeal and a delightful scent.
| Scientific Name | Camellia japonica ‘Kramer’s Supreme’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season | Winter to spring |
| Light Requirements | Full to partial sun |
| Mature Height | 8 to 10 feet |
12. Alabama Beauty Camellia
Standing tall at 15 feet, this camellia is a perfect choice for a privacy screen or hedge, offering lush evergreen foliage year-round.
From early fall through winter, it bursts into life with an abundance of large, semi-double blooms in a striking crimson shade.
Beyond its beauty, this variety brings your garden to life, attracting butterflies and birds for an added touch of natural charm. It’s a hardworking plant that delivers both function and flair.
| Scientific Name | Camellia sasanqua ‘Alabama Beauty’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season | Fall to winter |
| Light Requirements | Partial sun |
| Mature Height | 12 to 15 feet |
13. Black Tie Camellia
The Black Tie Camellia lives up to its elegant name with formal double blooms in a rich, true red. While the flowers are modest in size—just two to three inches across—they pack a visual punch with an impressive 60 petals each.
These intricate blossoms pop beautifully against the plant’s dark-green evergreen foliage. Fun fact: the original Black Tie Camellia, registered in 1975, took an impressive twelve years to bloom, proving that sometimes, great things are worth the wait.
| Scientific Name | Camellia japonica ‘Black Tie’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season | Late winter to early spring |
| Light Requirements | Partial shade |
| Mature Height | 10 to 12 feet |
14. Glen 40 Camellia Japonica
The Glen 40 Camellia, introduced in 1942, is a timeless classic. This moderately sized shrub features formal double blossoms with beautifully layered petals in a rich, deep red.
The medium to large flowers stand out against the dusty-green evergreen foliage, creating a striking contrast.
Its understated elegance makes it an excellent addition to any garden, offering beauty that endures through the seasons.
| Scientific Name | Camellia japonica ‘Glen 40’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season | Late winter to mid-spring |
| Light Requirements | Full shade to partial shade |
| Mature Height | 8 to 10 feet |
15. October Magic Ruby Camellia
The October Magic Ruby Camellia is a holiday-ready gem, showcasing large, rose-form double flowers in a festive red that feels perfect for the season.
Compact and well-proportioned, this variety grows to about five feet tall and four feet wide, making it an ideal choice for smaller gardens, cozy backyard spots, or even garden beds.
Despite its petite size, it delivers big on beauty, adding a cheerful splash of color that brightens any space.
| Scientific Name | Camellia sasanqua ‘October Magic Ruby’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season | Fall |
| Light Requirements | Partial shade to full sun |
| Mature Height | 3 to 4 feet |
16. Tama Vino Camellia Japonica
This camellia variety offers a unique twist with its small to medium-sized semi-double blooms.
The petals unfurl in a rich merlot hue, softly fading to white at the edges, creating a stunning gradient effect that adds depth and drama to the flowers.
Perfectly sized for a moderate garden space, it’s a captivating choice for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and intrigue to their landscape.
| Scientific Name | Camellia japonica ‘Tama Vino’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season | Late winter to early spring |
| Light Requirements | Partial shade |
| Mature Height | 5 to 6 feet |
17. Tomorrow Camellia
The Tomorrow Camellia is a standout with its lush evergreen foliage and dramatic, oversized blooms in a striking peony form.
The ruffled vermillion petals create an intricate, textured look, while the slightly pendulous blossoms add an elegant touch as they hang heavily from their branches.
Among the earliest camellias to bloom, these showstoppers light up the garden at winter’s end, carrying their vibrant color straight into spring. Perfect for brightening up those gray days.
| Scientific Name | Camellia japonica ‘Tomorrow’ |
| Growing Zones | USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10 |
| Flowering Season | Late winter to spring |
| Light Requirements | Partial shade |
| Mature Height | 10 to 12 feet |
Red Camellia Care Guide
Camellia japonica – A classic garden beauty with stunning red blooms
Red Camellias thrive in zones 7-10, with best performance in zones 8-9
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Light Requirements Partial shade to filtered sunlight |
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Red Camellias thrive in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. Protect from intense afternoon sun which can scorch leaves and flowers. In zones 7-8, providing extra shade during summer months is beneficial.
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Watering Needs Consistent moisture, well-draining soil |
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Maintain consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Water deeply when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool. During the first growing season, water regularly to establish a deep root system.
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Temperature & Climate Ideal range 60-75°F (15-24°C) |
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Protect from freezing temperatures and harsh winter winds. In zone 7, provide winter protection for young plants. Avoid sites with strong winter sun exposure which can cause bark split. Optimal growing conditions in zones 8-9 where winter temperatures rarely drop below 20°F (-6°C).
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Soil Requirements Acidic, organic-rich soil (pH 5.5-6.5) |
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Plant in rich, acidic soil with excellent drainage. Incorporate plenty of organic matter such as peat moss or composted pine bark. Test soil pH annually and amend if needed. Add aluminum sulfate to maintain acidity if soil tends toward alkaline.
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Pruning & Maintenance Prune after flowering in spring |
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Prune immediately after flowering to shape and control size. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid late-season pruning which can affect next year’s blooms. Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring after flowering and again in mid-summer.
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Elegance and Beauty for the Patient Gardener
Red camellia flowers grow relatively slowly compared to other garden shrubs and trees, but they are worth the patience and care. Whether you grow a shrub or tree variety, your camellia plants will provide you with stunning blossoms that you can enjoy for years to come.
Further reading: Discover 20 beautiful types of pink camellias.
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.