Which is the fastest growing camellia?

Does Camellia japonica grow fast?

Will it flower early?

How is it different from Camellia sasanqua?

These questions are often asked when new growers learn about Camellia japonica. I will try to answer these questions as best I can in this article.

Read Part 1: How to Grow Camellias (click here). Read Part 2: Growing a Camellia (click here). Camellia japonica growing tips. As with all shrubs, the first thing to do when you plant a Camellia is prepare your soil and decide on the location. If your soil is too rocky or not acidic enough, it may be necessary to amend it first.

You will have to choose between two main types of Camellia japonica, one a dwarf variety and the other a hybrid tea type. They are identical in appearance, however the dwarf variety tends to be harder to grow than the hybrid tea type.

Dwarf camellias look like most regular plants: they have green leaves, upright growth, and branches. They are excellent for rock gardens or borders as they will not outgrow their space. They are also much easier to train if needed.

Hybrid tea camellias are typically shorter than dwarf camellias with slightly arching, drooping stems that are thicker than those of dwarf varieties. Hybrid tea camellias can grow faster than dwarf varieties, requiring more room and care.

You can grow either type of Camellia japonica in a half-shade location but if you are planting the dwarf variety, make sure you provide adequate shade or sun. If you have the room, I recommend growing the hybrid tea variety. They are easier to train, grow more quickly, and require less water. The only disadvantage to this variety is that they are quite susceptible to powdery mildew. They do require more work initially because they are not self-pruning and you will need to provide at least four sides.

To answer your question, there is no absolute rule as to which variety you should plant, rather it depends on what you want. If you want a fast-growing shrub, then a dwarf variety may be the way to go, while if you want a slower growing plant, then a hybrid tea variety may be preferable.

Is Camellia japonica or sasanqua better?

The problem is, I have heard that Camellia japonica is a superior cultivar.

I would like to grow this plant in my garden, but my climate isn't cold enough for it. I know that some varieties of Camellia are better suited for northern climates.

Camellias are also quite a difficult plant to grow and maintain well. They like full sun, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter in the soil. Camellias are very finicky plants. They need a deep root system, but are susceptible to rot if the roots are shallow. Camellias also like to be watered regularly and with a consistent schedule.

I've heard that Camellia sasanqua is a superior cultivar. This seems like a better match for my climate and its better suited for my needs.

I know that sasanquas do best in more temperate climates. Which Camellia is better for me? If you have any other information, please share it with me. Last edited by bobsdad on Mon Mar 12, 2026 4:19 pm, edited 2 times in total. I grew camellia sasanqua in my garden. I had a hard time finding one when I needed it, but I found one at a nursery and it had just started to bloom. It was blooming for over a week. I'm not sure how they are after that. The blooms were about 3 inches across. I did not have any problems growing them. I wanted a tree shape, so I planted it in a hole that was dug to about 10 inches deep. I was able to grow it in a shady area. I would plant it in full sun if you can, but I had to water it a lot.

It's a pretty hardy plant. It can handle a little more moisture than other camellias, but it doesn't like too much. It won't tolerate standing water. It does well in regular irrigation. I watered it daily during the heat of summer. In the fall, I watered it when the soil was dry.

Camellia sasanqua grows taller than most camellias. It can grow to around 30 feet tall. It has a more upright habit than other camellias. It likes to be pruned every year, and the new growth is usually a little different.

What is the easiest camellia to grow?

The easiest camellia to grow is called the dwarf Japanese.

It is a compact dwarf form with dark green foliage. Its flowers have white centres. You will also find it sold as 'Mini Pink'. They are most suitable for small gardens. The plants grow easily from seed and need little attention. Unfortunately they become large after a few years and take on an undesireable spiny look. If you need a dwarf form for a tiny garden it would be a very easy one to buy from the garden centre. I grew up with these types of camellias and now have many.

The easiest Chinese camellia to grow? This camellia is the easiest to grow if you are used to a dwarf type, otherwise, it is one of the most trouble to grow. It needs regular feeding, it does not like to be pruned and it flowers almost every year. These plants can be grown as bare-root cuttings or container grown plants. With patience you can make it do anything you want, from a big tree to a shrub or even into a small tree. Even after a few years it may be much taller than its full size. However, the more care you give, the bigger and more beautiful it will become.

The easiest Camellia to grow? I was thinking that this one may be easy to grow, but if you have a lot of space to plant the Dwarf Chinese I think would be the best choice. They do need a lot of sunlight, so don't plant them in a corner of your garden unless you have a large greenhouse or a patio. In winter keep them covered to prevent frost damage.

I love the fact that Camellia has such a variety of looks. There are lots of colors, shapes, styles. But to be honest I don't think anyone would think of a Camellia as easy to grow. However I have been told that, "the miniature camellia is the easiest to grow". I never thought about how hard it would be to grow any camellia, so I went to the garden center to get one. Well, let me tell you, the dwarf japanese is easier to grow than the dwarf Chinese and has a more desirable look. I just think they both are worth a try, you will be happy with your choice.