Can Camellias be kept over winter in Zone 6?

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Allie88 Palmyra, PA(Zone 6a) Aug 23, 2005

I have two lovely camellias that we got for a show we did in March. I've kept them in pots because I'm not sure the best way to keep them alive. Should I put them in pots and bring them in over winter? Or should I keep them in a wind-free area in my garden? Could they survive this? They are already showing buds for next Spring. I'm in zone 6.

Any advice would be VERY welcome! Thank you!

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bettydee La Grange, TX(Zone 8b) Aug 24, 2005

There are a few new varieties that will winter as far north as 6b. You might find these 2 links useful.

http://www.usna.usda.gov/Newintro/camelli1.html
http://camellia-ics.org/_ics/ackerm1.htm

My Camellias prefer dappled or filtered sunlight. Do you have a way to provide some shade on the south side of you house? Maybe if you created a microclimate in winter they might survive in the ground. Around here people put Christmas lights on their citrus trees or use a flood light then creat a mini greenhouse with 1 X 2's and plastic around them making sure the plastic doesn't come in contact with the plant. Perhaps you are willing to go to that much trouble. If not, then taking them indoors or overwintering them in the garage with fluorescent lights is probably your only option.

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Allie88 Palmyra, PA(Zone 6a) Aug 24, 2005

Thank you so much! I appreciate it. I'll check out the links. Do the Christmas lights keep the plants from freezing?

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bettydee La Grange, TX(Zone 8b) Aug 24, 2005

If you put enough lights in, you can keep the temperature above freezing or at least above the temperature where damage will occur. As added protection my son uses bubblewrap too.

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UUallace Cincinnati, OH Oct 24, 2005

The only one I know does well regulaly in Zone 6 is C. sinensis (Tea). It has simple flowers. If memory serves me right 5 petals, not 100. Greer Gardens has a few of the fancy ones for Zone 6.

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