This is the time of year plants start shutting down, and most flowers are becoming a fading brown memory and soon the trees will be bare.  However, it is time for one of my favorite plants to shine.  The fall blooming Camellias start to flower in late October and will last until December, but November is their peak month in this area.

     There are several species, but the most common is Camellia sasanqua, and there are some interesting hybrids as well.  Unlike the more common Camellia japonica, which is a late winter, early spring bloomer – these evergreens will grow in full sun to partial shade.  Most varieties will grow 8-10′ tall, but there are some that will get bigger, as well as some that are dwarf and stay under 5′.  All camellias are surprisingly drought tolerant once they get established, but ideally they should be kept evenly moist in well-drained soil high in organic  matter.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                    

     The flowers of fall blooming camellias can be either pink, white or red with some bi-colors.  While each individual blossom may not be as large or as showy as C. japonica blossoms, they more than make up for it in sheer abundance, plus they are nicely fragrant.  The blooms can come in several forms from single, double, semi-double to peony forms.  There are many varieties of fall blooming Camellias and we carry about 15.  Fall is not only the best time to plant them, but it is the best time to select them so you can find a color that suites you. 
     
Les Parks