Camellia species, cultivars and learn about the varieties of Camellias

The camellia plants were named by Linnaeus in honor of the Jesuit Georg Joseph Kamels. The names of camellias seem to confuse the novice, but once you understand the information meant by the name, then it becomes easy to identify the plants. Camellia species are the original camellia and grew in the wild they are thus known as wild species. Over 200 species were found in Asia alone. Names for the species are normally written in italic script having the genus name written first followed by the name of the species for example Camellia japonica.

Camellia varieties

These are cultivars that were propagated from one species or two different species. They could have been mixed naturally (via vegetative propagation) or through planned crossing of plants with different visible features within one species.

There are more than 25 000 different cultivars that have been grown. When naming varieties, the name of the variety is placed to the first part of the name in Roman script for example Camellia japonica Rubra Simplex

Camellia hybrids

These mixed plants were developed through cross accidental pollination of two or more different species or through human intentional crossing. Donation was created by crossing Camellia saluensis with Camellia japonica Donkelarii.

Camellia sinensis

This is the most important camellia and is very useful in eastern Asia . It's known as the tea plant and is not the most beautiful camellia.

Camellia Oleifera

It's also known as the oil camellia due to the viscose oil that is extracted from its fruits. The oil is used in the cosmetic and beauty industry. It's also used as culinary oil in eastern Asia . The Camellia oleifera produces small, white coloured flowers.

Camellia japonica

The beautiful camellia originated from Japan . There are over 20 000 varieties that have grown from Camellia japonica. It comes in various colours, shapes and sizes.

Camellia sasagua

This unique flower also is indigenous to Japan and vigorously flowers in autumn. They do not grow as tall as the Camellia japonica.

Camellia reticulate

With its origins in china, camellia reticulate has been the parent species of numerous varieties and hybrids. Most hybrids have been produced by US and New Zealand botanists. The camellia hybrids have large flowers with diameters reaching 25cm. they thrive indoors due to the warmth.

Williamsii hydrids

These were created by crossing Camellia saluensis from China with Camellia japonica from Japan . The williamsii hybrids adopted characters of the 2 genus and are hardy, producing flowers very quick. The williamsii hybrids were later used to create even more resistant hybrids such as Donation.

Camellia cuspidate

These wilds species are often used for crossing experiments. The hybrids have compact growth, numerous flowers and extended flowering periods.

Camellia chrysantha

This is a recent discovery. It has buttercup yellow flowers and originated from Chin