Hello, fellow gardeners! You’ve come to the right place if you want to add some beautiful camellias to your Florida garden. I’m excited to tell you everything you need to know about finding and buying the best camellias in the Sunshine State since I’ve worked with these beautiful flowering shrubs for years.
Why Camellias Are Perfect for Florida Gardens
Before we dive into where to buy them, let’s talk about why camellias are such a fantastic choice for Florida gardens:
- They bloom during fall and winter (when everything else looks kinda meh)
- Super hardy and can live for many many years
- Low-maintenance (perfect for lazy gardeners like me!)
- Come in tons of beautiful colors and flower shapes
- Some varieties even smell amazing!
Best Places to Buy Camellias in Florida
1. Bob Wines Camellia Gardens (Ocala)
They’re the real deal! You can find them at 2610 SE 38TH STREET in Ocala.
- Largest camellia selection in north-central Florida
- 5-acre property with thousands of camellias
- Various pot sizes starting from 1-gallon
- Open Mon-Fri (9am-4pm) and Saturday (9am-3pm)
2. Local Independent Nurseries
Your neighborhood nurseries often have:
- Plants already adapted to local conditions
- Knowledgeable staff who understand Florida growing conditions
- Reasonable prices
- Personal advice for your specific garden needs
3. Big Box Stores
Places like Home Depot and Lowes typically offer
- Common varieties like ‘Jennifer Susan’
- Better prices during fall/winter seasons
- Convenient locations
- Basic camellia varieties
4. Mail-Order Options
Wilson Bros Gardens and similar nurseries provide
- Huge online selection
- Free shipping on many plants
- Container-grown specimens
- Rare varieties you can’t find locally
When’s the Best Time to Buy?
Here’s the tea on timing your camellia purchase:
- Best months: November through February
- Peak selection: January/February
- Best planting time: Cool months for root establishment
- Avoid: Summer planting (unless you’re really good with watering)
Popular Camellia Types for Florida Gardens
Camellia Japonica
- Most common species
- Blooms late fall to spring
- 2,000+ varieties available
- Colors: white, pink, red, purple
- Growth: upright and moderately fast
Camellia Sasanqua
- Earlier blooming (fall/early winter)
- More sun-tolerant
- Smaller leaves
- Popular varieties: ‘Yuletide’, ‘Kanjiro’
- Great for hedges
Hybrid Varieties
- Best features of different species
- Often more heat-tolerant
- Examples: ‘Donation’, ‘Kramer’s Supreme’
- Perfect for Florida’s climate
Tips for Choosing Healthy Plants
When you’re at the nursery, look for:
- Dark green leaves (no yellowing!)
- Bushy, full growth
- No bugs or funky spots
- Strong root system
- Appropriate size for your space
How to Plant Your New Camellia
Here’s my quick guide to getting your camellia settled in:
-
Pick a spot with:
- Partial to full shade
- Well-draining soil
- Protection from harsh afternoon sun
- Acidic soil (they’re picky about this!)
-
Planting steps:
- Dig hole 2x wider than root ball
- Plant at same depth as container
- Water deeply
- Mulch well (but keep away from trunk)
Care Tips for Florida Camellias
To keep your camellias happy in Florida’s climate:
- Water regularly until established
- Use acidic fertilizer in early spring
- Prune after flowering (if needed)
- Watch for pests (especially scale – those buggers love camellias)
- Mulch to keep roots cool and moist
Final Thoughts
Y’all, camellias are seriously one of the best investments you can make in your Florida garden. They’re like the gift that keeps on giving – beautiful evergreen foliage all year and stunning blooms when everything else is taking a winter nap.
Pick out the right type of plant for your space slowly, and don’t be afraid to ask questions at the nursery. You’ll have these plants for a long time, so do it right!
Happy camellia shopping, friends! And if you see me at Bob Wines Nursery in Ocala (my fave spot), come say hi – I’m probably there adding to my collection again!
Got questions about growing camellias in Florida? Drop ’em in the comments below, and I’ll help you out!
Would you like me to explain or break down any specific aspects of the article in more detail?
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Evergreen Plants (cold tolerant for our region)
We carry an inventory of seasonal flowering plants but the types fluctuate too greatly to provide a list. If you know exactly what plant you want, please call us at 904-727-1100 or fill out the form below.
Moist, rich, well-drained, acidic soil. Camellias need extra water during dry summers. Horticultural oil spray applied after flowering prevents scale and other insects.
- Light Needs: Semi-shade or dappled shade.
- Watering Needs: Water regularly
Japanese camellias shine in winter, with their glossy, deep green leaves and brilliant symmetry. In the spring, red, pink, and white lowers show up. They can be solids or stripes, and they can be single cups of petals or tight double blooms.
Please fill out a quote request form below to get a quick cost estimate. We offer fast easy delivery service and can provide installation service for you.
For more information please call us at (904) 727-1100 to discuss about your landscaping needs, or visit us at 230 Lee Rd. Jacksonville, FL
Alabama Beauty™ Camellia – Great Screening Choice
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