Most people, and even many nurseries, tend to divide camellias into two familiar groups: the fall- blooming sasanquas and the winter- and spring-blooming japonicas. But the world of camellias is far more diverse! In fact, there are well over 200 recognized species of camellias, many of which are often grouped under these two familiar names. Among our early-blooming camellias are not only Camellia sasanqua, but also Camellia hiemalis and other closely related varieties.
At Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, our earliest camellias are already beginning to put on a show! We like to call this the beginning of our “Early Blooming Sasanqua Season,” although, botanically speaking, many of these beauties are actually classified as Camellia hiemalis. One of the stars of the season is Camellia hiemalis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’. This spectacular camellia blooms profusely from now through late December, producing an abundance of brilliant, rosy- burgundy flowers. As the blossoms fall, they create a colorful carpet beneath the plant, giving the delightful impression that it’s “snowing camellia flowers!” It’s one of those magical sights that makes autumn at Magnolia so special.
Here are just a few of the camellias blooming right now at Magnolia:
Camellia hiemalis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’
Camellia hiemalis ‘Bonanza’
Camellia sasanqua ‘Texas Star’
Camellia sasanqua ‘Jean May’
Camellia sasanqua ‘Mixed Messages’
By mid-November, many more of these early-blooming camellias will be flowering throughout Magnolia’s historic gardens, joined by some of our earliest-blooming Camellia japonica cultivars. And here’s another interesting fact: just as many different camellias get lumped together under the name sasanqua, several other species and hybrids are commonly grouped with japonica, too!
But we’ll save that story for another article.
For now, come enjoy the beginning of camellia season at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. The show is just getting started!
Written by:
Mike Brewer
Historic Gardens Manager
