Can anyone tell me if there is a Camellia that does well and blooms in zone 6. Name Please and where I can find one? I use to live in Northern Florida and had them in my back yard. It was amazing to me to look outside in the middle of January and see the Camellias in full bloom. Thanks bunches.

>Given those conditions: are there any camellias that could stand being planted in this front yard? We have several, doing beautifully, on the shady north side, so I know the winter temperatures aren't too low; but some of them languished in the front before they were laboriously moved. Hi Steve, It's probably more a matter of drying winds than of the morning sun. Our camellias are mostly in the sun all morning, mid-day, and afternoon all day long throughout the winter (because the many deciduous trees have lost their leaves then) and they do fine. However, they tend to have more of a windbreak than most yards would have; besides having some tree trunks as partial windbreaks they're in with lots of other plants too--rhododendrons and azaleas--many of which are plenty large enough to reduce the problems from wind. And there is some wind protection from a berm too. If you go ahead with the idea on putting back camellias where you've had some not too happy camellias previously, then consider adding some ways to slow down the wind during the worst of winter's winds. And make sure that you don't forget to water during the winter. One other thing that you might try would be spraying with Wilt-Pruf in the late fall. I've never actually done that with a camellia so I don't know whether it's a good idea or not; it's just something I'd probably try if I were nervous about a plant's winter hardiness. I've seen sections of woven wooden fencing added to a yard to provide an attractive backdrop for a group planting. Something like that might help and make a nice highlighting for the camellias in your front yard too and featuring them in groups together with other evergreens would help with the wind problem too. You wouldn't have to fence the entire yard to be able to have some impact on winter's winds. The hiemalis camellia shishigashira would be one of the camellias that might do just fine in your front yard; it is reputed to do well in everything from full sun to full shade. Best of luck with whatever you end up doing. Best wishes, Mary

Hi My therm said 33 and weatherbug said 33.6 yet there were ICICLES on a shrub not a block from me . How can that be ?? Anyway see no immediate damage even the orchids, broms on the trees seem okay. Even the spikes on the orchids seem okay and a Catt opened right on up ?? Go figure. Was really surprised at the tropical fish .Was expecting a mass of dead bodies but a couple of them were up swimming around. Funny about the icicles.,when I first saw them, thought they were shattered glass pieces. Only ice I've seen in 25 years was in a margarita lol good luck with your plants gary

I saw japonicas blooming about a week ago at Bobby Gil's in Suwanee. Have never seen blooms this late. GAshmore, wish you would post pics. We'd love seeing your very mature plants.