Southern California Camellia Society

By Bradford King — There are as many as 280 camellia species.  They come from South East Asia with eighty percent originating in China. Commercially the most important is Camellia sinensis (the tea plant) whose new foliage is used to make tea. Camellia oleifera is a very important agricultural plant especially in China where its seeds are pressed producing edible ... Read More »

By Beth Stone and Bradford King – George Lewis Cup Winner – 2019 C. reticulata ‘Barbara Goff’ by Tom & Libbie Stull – George Lewis donated a perpetual trophy to the Southern California Camellia Council which was awarded at Council shows beginning in 1987.   The George Lewis Trophy is a 14” diameter sterling silver bowl on a wooden base.  The ... Read More »

By Bradford King Variegation is the appearance of differently colored zones in the leaves, and flowers but also sometimes the stems. This may be due to a number of causes—environmental or genetic. Some of the most popular and beautiful camellia flowers have genetic or viral variegation. GENETIC VARIEGATION Genetic variegation in camellia flowers is recognized as white borders or streaks ... Read More »

◊ By Bradford King ◊ A fragrant plant is one of the pleasures when taking a walk in the garden and a sweet treat when one is planted near a bench or placed in a sitting area on a patio.  Camellia lovers are now able to have fragrant species and many lovely perfumed scented cultivars in their collection thanks to ... Read More »

By Bradford King The most popular fall blooming camellias are Camellia sasanqua. These camellias begin blooming as early as August and generally peak in November and December in Southern California.  The flowers typically have six to eight petals. The profuse flowers are usually white, pink, or white with pink or red edges. There also a few beautiful red sun camellias ... Read More »

By Bradford King The need to reduce consumption of water in California is an urgent issue. Mandatory water restrictions are in place and full cooperation is necessary.  How do we save our camellias? If you haven’t already done the following things do them as soon as possible. Check every outlet, faucet, valve and washer to insure you have no leaks inside ... Read More »