White camellia flowers add beauty and elegance to any garden. These wonderful evergreen shrubs are available in several cultivars to suit your space. In this article, we’ll explore 15 beautiful types of white camellia flowers to grow in your garden.
15 Beautiful White Camellia Varieties:
1) Camellia ‘Silver Waves’
Camellia japonica ‘Silver Waves’ is a gorgeous white camellia bred from the Japanese camellia. They produce large semi-double silvery-white flowers with yellow centers. ‘Silver Waves’ is a mid-season camellia that blooms from winter until early spring.
‘Silver Waves’ grows between 6 and 8 feet tall and thrives in USDA Zones 8 to 10. This stunning white camellia requires partial or full shade in a sheltered location. ‘Silver Waves’ is a great variety to choose from if you want a camellia hedge.
| Scientific Name: | Camellia japonica ‘Silver Waves’ |
| Growing Zones: | 8 to 10 |
| Flowering Season: | Winter to early spring |
| Light Requirements: | Partial to full shade |
| Mature Height: | 6 to 8 feet |
2) Camellia ‘White Empress’
Camellia japonica ‘White Empress’ is an elegant white camellia variety initially bred in Alabama in 1939. This cultivar produces large double or semi-double white flowers with a large clump of yellow stamens. The white petals are fluted at the edges.
‘White Empress’ grows best in Zones 6 to 9 and needs partial shade in a sheltered spot. This impressive cultivar grows between 10 and 12 feet tall. ‘White Empress’ is a mid-season camellia variety that blooms during the winter. It grows more quickly than many other varieties.
| Scientific Name: | Camellia japonica ‘White Empress’ |
| Growing Zones: | 6 to 9 |
| Flowering Season: | Winter |
| Light Requirements: | Partial shade |
| Mature Height: | 10 to 12 feet |
3) Camellia ‘Sea Foam’
Camellia japonica ‘Sea Foam’ produces architectural formal double flowers with a rosette of white petals. ‘Sea Foam’ was bred from Camellia japonica by John T. Weisner in 1959. ‘Sea Foam’ grows between 10 and 12 feet tall and approximately 6 to 10 feet wide.
‘Sea Foam’ is cold-hardy down to 10ºF in Zones 7 to 9. However, this white camellia cultivar struggles if temperatures fluctuate suddenly. ‘Sea Foam’ is a late-season camellia that blooms during the spring and requires partial shade.
| Scientific Name: | Camellia japonica ‘Sea Foam’ |
| Growing Zones: | 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season: | Spring |
| Light Requirements: | Partial shade |
| Mature Height: | 10 to 12 feet |
4) Camellia ‘Snow Flurry ‘
Camellia ‘Snow Flurry’ is an elegant hybrid white camellia with beautiful anemone-form flowers. ‘Snow Flurry’ is a hybrid between Camellia oleifera and Camellia sasanqua ‘Frost Princess’. ‘Snow Flurry’ was bred to be cold-hardy with small, stunning flowers.
‘Snow Flurry’ is hardy in Zones 6 to 9 and blooms as an early-season camellia from late fall until early winter. ‘Snow Flurry’ is a reasonably compact variety, reaching between 5 and 7 feet tall and approximately 3 to 5 feet wide.
| Scientific Name: | Camellia ‘Snow Flurry’ |
| Growing Zones: | 6 to 9 |
| Flowering Season: | Fall to winter |
| Light Requirements: | Partial shade |
| Mature Height: | 5 to 7 feet |
5) Camellia ‘Nuccio’s Gem’
Camellia japonica ‘Nuccio’s Gem’ is a white variety of Japanese camellia. ‘Nuccio’s Gem’ dazzles with large pure white rosettes of formal double flowers. Each flower can be up to 4 inches wide.
‘Nuccio’s Gem’ is a mid-season camellia variety that flowers during the winter in Zones 7 to 10. It grows up to 15 feet tall and approximately 10 feet wide but it takes decades to reach this size. ‘Nuccio’s Gem’ needs partial to full shade in a sheltered garden area.
| Scientific Name: | Camellia japonica ‘Nuccio’s Gem’ |
| Growing Zones: | 7 to 10 |
| Flowering Season: | Winter |
| Light Requirements: | Partial to full shade |
| Mature Height: | Up to 15 feet |
6) Camellia ‘Alba Plena’
Camellia japonica ‘Alba Plena’ is one of the oldest camellia cultivars in the world. ‘Alba Plena’ was imported to England from China in 1792 and brought to America in 1800. ‘Alba Plena’ has pure white formal double flowers that can be up to 4 inches wide.
‘Alba Plena’ thrives in Zones 7 to 9 in partial to full shade. As an early-season camellia, ‘Alba Plena’ flowers from fall until winter. This cultivar grows to approximately 6 to 8 feet tall and wide.
| Scientific Name: | Camellia japonica ‘Alba Plena’ |
| Growing Zones: | 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season: | Fall to winter |
| Light Requirements: | Partial to full shade |
| Mature Height: | 6 to 8 feet |
7) Camellia ‘Bessie Battle’
‘Bessie Battle’ is another gorgeous white camellia variety derived from Camellia japonica. ‘Bessie Battle’ has blousy semi-double white flowers with a crowd of yellow stamens. The petals are notched at the edges. Each flower can be up to 3.5 inches wide.
‘Bessie Battle’ prefers partial shade and sheltered areas in Zones 7 to 9. This cultivar grows up to 12 feet high and approximately 8 feet wide when fully mature. ‘Bessie Battle’ is a mid-season camellia that flowers from winter until early spring.
| Scientific Name: | Camellia japonica ‘Bessie Battle’ |
| Growing Zones: | 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season: | Winter to spring |
| Light Requirements: | Partial shade |
| Mature Height: | Up to 12 feet |
8) Camellia ‘Cream Puff’
Camellia japonica ‘Cream Puff’ is a hybrid white camellia derived from two Camellia japonica cultivars. ‘Cream Puff’ was created by hybridizing Camellia japonica ‘Frost Queen’ with Camellia japonica ‘White Butterfly’. It is one of the Ackerman hybrids designed to be cold-hardy.
‘Cream Puff’ produces semi-double peony-form flowers with a wonderful lemony scent. It thrives in Zones 7 to 10 and reaches up to 12 feet tall. This mid-season variety blooms from late winter until early spring, usually from January until March.
| Scientific Name: | Camellia japonica ‘Cream Puff’ |
| Growing Zones: | 7 to 10 |
| Flowering Season: | Late winter to early spring |
| Light Requirements: | Partial shade |
| Mature Height: | Up to 12 feet |
9) Camellia reticulata ‘Baihuajin’
Camellia reticulata ‘Baihuajin’ is a variety of Camellia reticulata with white flowers. Camellia reticulata is native to parts of China and has been cultivated for thousands of years. The first specimen of Camellia reticulata was brought to England in 1820.
Camellia reticulata grows as a small tree in the wild and can reach up to 50 feet tall. In gardens, these camellias can reach up to 20 feet tall and approximately 12 feet wide. Camellia reticulata grows best in Zones 7 to 9 in partial shade.
| Scientific Name: | Camellia reticulata ‘Baihuajin’ |
| Growing Zones: | 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season: | Spring |
| Light Requirements: | Partial shade |
| Mature Height: | Up to 50 feet |
10) Camellia ‘Scentuous’
Camellia ‘Scentuous’ is a beautiful white camellia variety with blousy peony-form flowers. ‘Scentuous’ is a hybrid that combines Camellia japonica with Camellia lutchuensis. This hybrid cultivar flowers profusely.
‘Scentuous’ is a mid to late-season camellia that flowers from January until May. It thrives in Zones 7 to 9 when given a sheltered spot in full sun or partial shade. This compact camellia cultivar grows between 4 and 6 feet tall and approximately 3 to 4 feet wide.
| Scientific Name: | Camellia japonica x lutchuensis ‘Scentuous’ |
| Growing Zones: | 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season: | Late winter to late spring |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Mature Height: | 4 to 6 feet |
11) Camellia x williamsii ‘Jury’s Yellow’
Camellia x williamsii ‘Jury’s Yellow’ is a fascinating white camellia variety. It produces white anemone-form blooms with almost yellow cream-colored central petals. This cultivar’s name reflects its intriguing flowers.
‘Jury’s Yellow’ grows best in Zones 8 to 10 and tolerates partial to full shade. This cultivar is a late-season camellia that flowers between March and April. At full size, ‘Jury’s Yellow’ grows up to 13 feet tall and wide.
| Scientific Name: | Camellia x williamsii ‘Jury’s Yellow’ |
| Growing Zones: | 8 to 10 |
| Flowering Season: | Spring |
| Light Requirements: | Partial to full shade |
| Mature Height: | Up to 13 feet |
12) Camellia japonica ‘Shiro Chan’
Camellia japonica ‘Shiro Chan’ is an elegant white cultivar of the Japanese camellia. ‘Shiro Chan’ produces large white double flowers with pink edges or stripes. These attractive petals surround a clump of golden yellow stamens.
‘Shiro Chan’ is a mid-season white camellia variety that flowers in late winter. It grows well in Zones 7 to 9 in partial shade and warm, sheltered conditions. ‘Shiro Chan’ grows up to 12 feet tall and approximately 10 feet wide.
| Scientific Name: | Camellia japonica ‘Shiro Chan’ |
| Growing Zones: | 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season: | Late winter |
| Light Requirements: | Partial shade |
| Mature Height: | 10 to 12 feet |
13) Camellia x williamsii ‘Coppelia Alba’
Camellia x williamsii ‘Coppelia Alba’ is a hybrid camellia with single white flowers that have golden yellow central stamens. Camellia x williamsii hybrids are created by combining Camellia japonica with Camellia saluenensis. These cultivars are prized for their hardiness.
Camellia x williamsii camellias are also bred to have longer flowering seasons than other camellias. Most of these hybrids bloom from winter until spring and thrive in Zones 6 to 10.
| Scientific Name: | Camellia x williamsii ‘Coppelia Alba’ |
| Growing Zones: | 6 to 10 |
| Flowering Season: | Winter to spring |
| Light Requirements: | Partial shade |
| Mature Height: | Up to 13 feet tall |
14) Camellia japonica ‘Duchesse de Berry’
Camellia japonica ‘Duchesse de Berry’ is an elegant camellia cultivar derived from the Japanese camellia. This variety produces round, almost cup-shaped formal double flowers. The petals form an attractive rosette.
‘Duchesse de Berry’ grows best in warm, humid areas in Zones 7 to 9. This cultivar requires a sheltered spot in partial shade to protect it against cold winds. ‘Duchesse de Berry’ is a mid-season camellia variety that flowers in late winter. It grows to approximately 10 to 12 feet high.
| Scientific Name: | Camellia japonica ‘Duchesse de Berry’ |
| Growing Zones: | 7 to 9 |
| Flowering Season: | Late winter |
| Light Requirements: | Partial shade |
| Mature Height: | 10 to 12 feet |
15) Grantham’s Camellia
Grantham’s camellia (Camellia granthamiana) is an endangered camellia species found only in parts of China and Hong Kong. This rare camellia produces large single white flowers with bright orange stamens. It’s named after Sir Alexander Grantham, the governor of Hong Kong at the time of the plant’s discovery in 1955.
Grantham’s camellia cannot tolerate cold temperatures and grows best in a greenhouse. This rare camellia is suitable for Zones 9 to 10 and requires partial shade. Grantham’s camellia is an early-season species that flowers during the fall. It grows up to 12 feet tall.
| Scientific Name: | Camellia granthamiana |
| Growing Zones: | 9 to 10 |
| Flowering Season: | Fall |
| Light Requirements: | Partial shade |
| Mature Height: | Up to 12 feet |
Essential Tips for Growing White Camellia Flowers
White camellias are low-maintenance evergreen shrubs once they become established. Camellias are part of the tea family (Theaceae) and are hardy in Zones 7 to 10. Some varieties can be grown in containers in colder climates.
Growth Expectations:
Camellias are slow-growing shrubs, with most species reaching approximately 6 to 15 feet high and 6 to 10 feet wide. Most camellias take decades to reach their full size. Camellias grow best in warm, moist conditions but can be pretty cold-hardy.
Soil Considerations
The most important aspect of growing white camellias is giving them the right soil conditions. Camellias need fertile, acidic soils that drain well but hold some moisture. The pH level should be between 5.0 and 6.5. Use ericaceous compost and mulches such as pine needles to provide acidic soil.
Light Considerations
White camellias usually need partial shade, although Camellia sasanqua cultivars do best in full sun. Some white camellias can tolerate full shade. Provide morning sunlight and avoid leaving camellias in the direct afternoon sun (which can lead to yellowing or curling leaves). Camellias require a sheltered spot that protects them from cold or strong winds. For more, see our in-depth guide on where to plant camellias.
Watering Considerations
Camellias require moist soils that don’t become waterlogged. Established camellias shouldn’t need additional watering except in hot summers. Water potted camellias whenever the top 2 to 4 inches of soil feel dry. Water young camellias regularly for the first 18 months to help them establish strong roots.
Pruning and Fertilizing
Prune white camellias once a year, right after they finish flowering. Avoid pruning from mid-summer onwards because you’ll remove developing flower buds. Camellias produce next year’s flowers on new growth. Fertilize camellias once a year after flowering finishes to fuel the development of new buds. For more, see our in-depth guide on why your camellia plant isn’t flowering for any issues.
Overwinter Care
In colder climates, grow camellias in containers. This allows you to protect them during cold winters and freezing temperatures. Bring your potted camellias indoors in winter, or wrap the pots in fleece.
White Camellia Flower FAQs:
What Do White Camellias Symbolize?
White camellias symbolize adoration and care for people you don’t have romantic feelings for. Like many other white flowers, white camellias represent innocence, purity, and rebirth.
Are White Camellias Rare?
White camellia flowers aren’t rare, with over 26,000 camellia cultivars in circulation. Tea camellias always have white flowers.
What Month Do White Camellias Flower?
White camellias bloom any time between fall and spring, depending on the variety. Early-season white camellias flower in the fall, and mid-season white camellias bloom in winter. Late-season white camellias bloom during the spring.
Are White Camellia Flowers High Maintenance?
Although white camellias have specific soil requirements, they aren’t high maintenance. White camellias need fertile, acidic soils that are well-draining but still retain some moisture. Most white camellias need partial to full shade in a sheltered location.
How Fast Do White Camellia Flowers Grow?
White camellias are slow-growing evergreen shrubs, taking decades to reach their full size. Some white camellias can live for centuries in the right conditions. For more, see our guide to the fastest-growing camellia varieties.
Wrapping Up
White camellias add natural beauty to any outdoor space. White camellia flowers come in several forms, from single or semi-double blooms to rose or peony-form flowers. With so many gorgeous white camellias available, you’re bound to find one that fits your garden.
For more, see our in-depth guide on the meaning and symbolism of camellias and discover our favorite types of red and pink camellia flowers.
Edd is a budding content writer and gardener living in the United Kingdom. He has a bachelor's degree in Creative and Professional Writing and has written for several gardening publications online. He is passionate about nature and sustainability with a focus on gardening and wildlife.
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