39 of the Best Companion Plants for Camellias

When my camelia are in full bloom , they grab my attention – I ca n’t help but admire them every time I glance outside or walk through my garden .

I could n’t even imagine establish something nearby that would guide the eye aside from the stunning blooms .

But then in the summertime when they ’re not blooming , they kind of involve something to pick up the slack . Not that the glossy foliage is n’t beautiful , but it just needs a petty something , you know ?

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So I planted a lot of companions around my camelia , like fern , shed blood hearts , and dogwoods . And you know what ? These plantings complement my camellia , even when they are blooming .

The lesson here ? Companions are always a good idea ! And there are lots of pick .

In ourguide to grow camellias , we hash out how to grow these shrubs in your garden . In this guide , we ’ll bet at 39 of the undecomposed companion plants for your camellia .

Here ’s the lineup :

39 Top Companion Plants for Camellias

Camellias hail from moderate environments , with neither too much heat energy nor too much cold .

The first thing you should demand yourself when prefer a Quaker for your camellia is if the plant has the same water supply requirements .

Differing sun needs can be suit , but if you plant your thirsty camellia next to a big old barrel cactus , you ’re move to lose one or the other .

The other consideration is soil pH. Camellias like things acid . That does n’t mean anything you plant near it also needs to sleep together acidulous soil , but it needs to at least tolerate it . Do n’t even guess of a plant that demands alkaline soil .

There ’s a difference between tolerance and need . For representative , lilacs favour soil that ’s a touch alkaline , but I have multiple lilac and camellia get and boom mighty next to each other .

Both are adaptable . In fact , I find most plants are adaptable unless they require a pH on one utmost end or the other .

likewise , camelia are often described as requiring at least some shade during the Clarence Day . But if you live on in a cooler area , they will be all right with full Dominicus . Or , institute them next to something like a magnolia that provides afternoon shade .

camellia maturate in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 10 , depending on the cultivar .

Here are the top fellow to plant with your camellia shrubs :

1. Acacia

Acaciais a immense genus that encompasses a great turn of species , as well as a variety of cultivar , like ‘ Cousin Itt , ’ which is anA. cognatacultivar that grow in Zones 9 to 11 .

It ’s an adorable selection for adding a little variety . This humble shrub look like a gullible Cousin Itt from the Addams Family , with shaggy-coated green hair - like leaves . It gain three feet marvellous and five feet wide when fledged .

Imagine the stinking evergreen plant hanging out with your camellias . cunning , right ? Just do n’t overwater it . It ’s fussy about wet and does n’t require too much .

Acacia plants need partial to full Dominicus , so do n’t plant them under your camellias . They should be nearby but not in the tone of large plants .

2. Astilbe

When you remark ghost - loving fuckup , you ’re pass to hear hostas , hellebore , and astilbe ( Astilbespp . ) . The fuzzy , vibrant spikes of flower are just too unbelievable to pass up .

These plants can grow anywhere from one to six foot tall , depend on the species .

This perennial blooms from early to recent summertime , depending on the species , even in dense wraith in zone 3 to 9 . They need scarcely any care to appear their dependable , all while providing a colorful direct contrast to the summer greenness of camellias .

‘ Peach Blossom ’ Astilbe

I in person cogitate that ‘ Peach Blossom ’ is a peculiarly pretty intercrossed , with its large , peachy feather - like heyday . you’re able to work one homefrom Nature Hills Nurseryin a # 1 container .

read more about originate astilbe in our guide .

3. Aucuba

Aucuba ( Aucubaspp . ) are evergreen shrubs that grow six to 10 foundation tall , with glistening leaves . They somewhat resemblelaurelsor camellias , and they like the same weather , so the plants are often befuddled .

But aucuba do n’t have the showy blossoms of camelia , though they do produce pretty reddened drupes . What makes them stand out , though , is the fascinating leaf .

The leave-taking can have ointment or white splotches , situation , or other pattern of motley color .

While thejaponicaspecies is the most pop , any in this genus has something to offer those who know in zone 6 to 9 .

Plant them near your camellia but far enough away that they ’ll receive full Dominicus .

4. Azalea

Azaleas ( Rhododendronspp . ) and camellias have very alike requirements but bloom at dissimilar times , so you may enjoy a colourful show for a larger portion of the yr .

Camellias bloom anywhere from late fall to midspring , while azalea are performing in the give , summertime , or early downfall , bet on the cultivar .

Both plants like acidulous soil with a pH somewhere near 5.5 and both put up semi - shade position with around four hours of unmediated light source per sidereal day .

They both necessitate about the same amount of water , typically when the top inch or two of soil has dry out out .

‘ Hino Crimson ’ Azalea

‘ Hino Crimson ’ is peculiarly floriferous and eye - catching with its bold red blossoms . It’savailable at Nature Hills Nurseryin # 3 containers .

Azaleas grow in Zones 6 to 9 , though there are a few that can suffer life in Zone 5 . The plant can range from a substructure magniloquent to over 20 feet tall , depending on the species or cultivar .

If you choose a smaller one , you may plant it under your camelia , while larger single can be planted nearby with some afternoon shade .

Learn more about how to develop azalea in our guide .

5. Begonia

Tuberous begonia ( Begoniaxtuberhybrida ) are human foot - marvelous winter bloomers that can add an extra biff of colour underneath your camellias . They flower at the same time and begonias will raise jubilantly in the dappled nuance of your shrubs .

If you ’re in zone 9 or 10 , you could enjoy the mating and kiss the winter blues goodbye . Begonias will even blossom a morsel before and after most camelia are flowering , so they ’ll keep the performance go .

‘ Roseform Yellow ’

What about something like ‘ Roseform Yellow ’ and its passably yellow blossoms ? you’re able to find this optionat Nature Hills .

you’re able to find our usher to growing tuberous begonia here .

6. Bergenia

You have to be really careful when you pick a type of bergenia ( Bergeniaspp . ) because most metal money grow in Zones 4 to 6 and others can grow up to Zone 9 .

At 18 inches marvellous , they can maturate under or next to your camellias in part to full refinement .

If you want them to complement your camellia , you take to pick one that is compatible with your grow zone .

For instance , B. cordifolia‘Winter Glow ’ is skillful to go in geographical zone 3 to 8 and when the fuchsia - scarlet flowers are n’t present , the bronze foliage will draw the eye .

‘ Winter Glow ’ Bergenia

Sound good for your garden ? you could bring one homefrom Nature Hills Nursery .

you’re able to learn more about how to grow bergenia in our templet .

7. Bleeding Heart

Bleeding nub ( Lamprocapnos spectabilisandDicentraspp . ) are such delicate , pernicious forest plants .

I have some Pacific bleeding nub ( Dicentra formosa ) under some of my camellias that I ’ve clip into a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree shape , and their sweet early spring blossoms never betray to make me smile .

Because they tolerate a good deal of tone , they can be planted under or next to your camellias where they will be protected from harsh sun .

I consider they ’re all the more special for how short their blooming season is . you could find bleeding hearts for Zones 3 to 9 in colour like pink , cerise , purple , and whitened in size up to four foot tall .

‘ King of Hearts ’ Bleeding affectionateness

Or how about something in both pinkish and purple with a confidential information of snowy ? That ’s what ‘ King of Hearts ’ has .

The blossoms form in tight clump and last for a long time . Nab a bare rootfrom Burpee .

Check out our guide to get bleeding hearts to larn more .

8. Bugleweed

The capital thing about bugleweed ( Ajugaspp . ) is that you ’d be firmly pressed to recover a position where this mint congenator wo n’t get . If you need something tough and reliable with pretty empurpled peak , this is one to pluck .

Just be aware that its gregarious nature can be a bit overbearing . It might require to propagate into your lawn and other component part of your garden in zone 4 to 9 if you are n’t careful .

Still , the pretty bronze - green folio and purple bloom might just be a welcome addition wherever it pussyfoot .

Because bugleweed only grows about six to nine in tall , it ’s consummate as a rug on the south side of the camelia , since it needs partial sunlight . It will probably spread underneath the flora , but take off on the south side and see where it wants to go .

Home Depot carriesthis enthusiastic plant life in pack of six .

If you just do n’t require to have to weed underneath your camellias anymore , you ’ve find the solvent .

9. Coral Bells

I ca n’t get enough of coral chime ( Heucheraspp . ) . Like most plant in the first place develop for their foliage , they lean to be drop for something that can put on a showier performance .

Do n’t cut these plants , though . The leafage can have such fascinating patterns that they might as well be blossom .

Most metal money acquire in Zones 4 to 9 , though you could find outlier , and they ’re just as happy in full sun as full shade , depending on the cultivar .

I truly do n’t know how they can be so adaptable . Plant them under or next to your shrubs , calculate on your need and the cultivar you choose .

‘ spell-bound ’ Coral buzzer

You ’ll be spellbound by the roseate purpleness , heavily rippled leave of ‘ Spellbound . ’ you’re able to buy itat Nature Hillsin a # 1 container .

Learn more about growing heuchera in our comprehensive templet .

10. Crabapple

allow ’s hear it for crabapple ( Malusspp . ) . They put on a sea wolf floral show in the leap , are much bad than their Malus pumila cousins ( and crabapple are also edible ! ) , and they ’ll happily grow pair up with camellia .

you may find midget selection around seven feet tall that will act as a centerpiece to the shrubby build when imbed in front of a row of large camellia or go for a with child selection to plant nearby .

Full - sized Tree grow about 20 feet magniloquent . Anyone in Zones 4 to 8 can enjoy these pretty trees .

‘ Show Time ’ Crabapple

If you want a Cancer orchard apple tree that set on a seriously impressive performance , check out ‘ Show Time . ’

Available at tight Growing Treesin a variety of sizes , it has huge , double efflorescence in a gorgeous pink hue .

Learn more about growing crabapples in our guide .

11. Cyclamen

I hear what you ’re saying , Cyclamen purpurascens ( Cyclamen persicum ) are only hardy in zona 9 to 11 . There ’s only a tiny maturate zone overlap with camellias .

While that ’s dead on target , Cyclamen purpurascens are fabulous as leaf yearbook , or you’re able to dig them up at the destruction of the growing time of year andgrow them as houseplants .

Those that can bask both will have a vibrant winter show , with Cyclamen purpurascens efflorescence cover the ground and camellias cover the vertical show .

Otherwise , let the striking foliage bestow a pleasing element to the arena surrounding or underneath your camellia shrubs .

Since they only grow between six to 18 in tall , they can serve as a colorful carpeting or a side addition in a shady area .

Bring home a five pack of bulbs with silver and green variegate foliage and purple - pink blossomsfrom Home Depot .

12. Daffodil

If you desire some bright color underneath a tree - shaped camellia , you ca n’t go awry with daffodil . opine some frilly ‘ White Lion ’ blooming at the same clock time as your camelia .

‘ White Lion ’ has fragrant , white and ointment flowers with hints of yellowness that grow up to 16 inches tall and can befound at Eden Brothers .

‘ White Lion ’ Daffodils

Or , if you want a more classic display that will last for months , snap up the All Star Mixfrom Eden Brothers , which contains a mix of cultivar that take turns blooming , with former , mid , and later flower case .

All Star Mix Daffodils

One of the big difference between the grow requirements of daffodils and camellias is that Narcissus pseudonarcissus really must have full sun to flower beautifully , though you might get away with a tiny bit of shade . For that reason , they ’re best keep on the south side of your shrubs .

Otherwise , they do well with the same H2O and pH needs as camellia , and they grow in Zones 3 to 8 .

you may see more about growing daffodils in our guide .

13. Deutzia

I ’m so happy that deutzia ( Deutziaspp . ) is finally earn some attention from home gardeners .

These plants have such tremendous white or pink blossoms in the early saltation , covering them so dumbly that you could hardly see the foliage .

And speaking of leafage , it turn yellow green or gold in the fall , adding yet another bed of interest group when your camellias are in their summertime cloak .

Deutzia grows in Zones 5 to 8 and require full sun to await their good , so do n’t allow your camellia works shade them .

Plant them nearby on the east , west , or south side – but void the Second Earl of Guilford side . Depending on the species , they can grow from one to 10 feet tall .

Visit Home Depotto pick up a live works with cherry pink blossoms in a four - and - a - half - quart container .

14. Dogwood

Dogwoods ( Cornusspp . ) comein all shapes and sizes , but what they have in common are some spectacular efflorescence and leaves .

While you do n’t require to shade a camelia too much or you ’ll compromise the floral show , so long as you do n’t plant your bush right underneath your cornel , they will be perfectly glad together .

Or you could plantcreeping dogwood ( C. canadensis ) aka bunchberry , and permit it fill in around your bush . Both tree and bush can mature in Zones 5 to 9 .

These spring knickers can overlap with the camellia bloom or they can take the baton as the flowers are fading .

I have a dying walnut tree tree that is on its last peg . Once it ’s endure , I am spoil to replace it with a Mexican inflorescence dogwood ( C. floridavar.urbiniana ) .

Mexican Flowering Dogwood

The unusual blossom are like nothing else I ’ve ever seen . If that particular tree diagram interests you , bring down Fast raise Treesto pick up a three- to four - human foot specimen .

Or go with something a bit more classic , with the bright reddish - pink blossom ofC. kousa‘Scarlet Fire . ’

‘ Scarlet Fire ’ Kousa Dogwood

This is akousa dogwoodand it can also be foundat Fast Growing Treesin a four to five animal foot height .

Be trusted tocheck our our dogwood maintenance guidefor more information .

15. Fern

You have a great deal of options when it come to ferns . There are at least 10,000 recorded specie and a lot more that have n’t been identify yet .

There are hundreds that are common in garden . chance one that grows in your Zone and has the shape you require and go to townspeople . fern will offer pursuit underneath even the tallest camellia .

I personally have maidenhair fern ( Adiantum pedatum ) and brand fern ( Polystichum munitum ) under my camellias , butcinnamon ( Osmundastrum cinnamomeum)or lady ferns ( Athyrium filix - femina ) would be amazing choices , as well .

Learn more about farm fern in our guide .

16. Flowering Cherry

Ornamental cherries ( Prunusspp . ) are springtime royalty . There are festivals , parades , and ceremonies all dedicated to the joy of the spring bloom .

coalesce that with a camellia draped in a cloak of flower and you ’ll have a spectacular presentation . You ’ll be looking forward to spring all class long .

Pick a small weeping type to grow in front of some improbable camellia shrubs or go with something taller and grade your bush nearby . inflorescence cerise rise well in Zones 5 to 8 .

Weeping Extraordinaire ™ Flowering Cherry

You ca n’t go wrong with any of the beautiful options out there , but Weeping Extraordinaire ™ aka ‘ Extrazam ’ is a showstopper . The fluffy , frilly pinkish heyday are stunners .

inspect Fast Growing Treesfor a four- to five- or five- to six - foot tree .

see all the in and outs of growing flowering cherry red in our pure usher .

17. Foamflower

I ’m all for adding native coinage to our garden when potential , and foamflower ( Tiarella cordifolia ) is aboriginal to easterly North America that dazzles with masses of pinkish - white blossoms that look like seafoam blow through your garden .

The plants make one to two groundwork improbable .

They bloom in the springiness and are hardy in zone 3 to 8 , but what I like good is that they execute wonderfully in full shade .

That means you could fill in the empty space underneath your shrub with something that will blossom when your camellia are wear their green outfit .

18. Fuchsia

Whether you place a few hanging basket near your camellia shrubs or plant some blue - growers underneath , fuchsia ( Fuchsiaspp . ) make a striking demarcation to the green camellia leaves with their bright blossoms that last through spring , summertime , and come down .

Since fuchsia will tolerate shadowiness , they ’re staring for adding interest to the north side or underneath camellia shrubs .

Tender fuchsia can uprise in Zones 10 to 11 , or you canoverwinter them . Half - brave type are good down to Zone 9 and audacious varieties can develop down to Zone 7 with some wintertime protection .

If you ’d like to have it off more , visit our guide to grow fuchsia .

19. Gardenia

Gorgeous gardenias ( Gardeniaspp . ) only produce in geographical zone 8 to 11 , so there ’s just a small overlap with camellias . But if you are in Zones 8 to 10 , you’re able to grow these two plants together .

Gardenias need the same moisture and grease pH that camellia do , and they like morning Lord’s Day and afternoon shade , which is another law of similarity .

They bloom in tardy bound and early summer and are around the same size as camellias , so set them near each other and let the gardenia take over the blossom duty as the camellia flowers fade .

G. jasminoides‘Frostproof ’ lives up to its name . It has all that phenomenal scent and wo n’t collapse at the first sign of frost . It will thrive in Zones 7 to 10 .

‘ Frostproof ’ Gardenia

play ‘ Frostproof ’ homefrom Nature Hillsin a quart or # 3 container .

Growing gardenias is much easy than you might anticipate . Our guide shows you how .

20. Geranium

Whether you prefer thescented ( Pelargoniumspp . ) , wild ( Geranium maculatumandG. oreganum ) , garden ( P.xhortorum ) , orivy ( P. peltatum ) , geraniums offer joyful color at the alkali of your camelia plant life when they are n’t in bloom .

Many gardeners produce geraniums as yearly , but reckon on the mintage , they can be grown as perennial in Zones 3 to 9 .

Those in thePelargoniumgenus do best in full Lord’s Day , so plant them on the south side of your shrubs .

Wild geraniums are native to North American woodland and flourish in shade , so they can fill in the northward side of or be turn underneath your camellias .

Learn more about growing geraniums in our guidebook .

21. Hellebore

Even during the summertime when they ’re not in bloom , false hellebore are so pretty , I would even grow them for the foliage alone .

But when Lenten roses start flowering in the depth of winter , I want to wrap them in my arms and squeeze them .

That they bloom even in shade with their unequalled William Green , over-embellished , pink , red , white , or yellow blossoms pee-pee them even more enjoyable .

imbed some of these myopic plants , which stay under 18 inch tall , at the pedestal of your camellias and you have a colourful show in wintertime from the ground on up .

hellebore are hardy in Zones 4 to 9 .

‘ Ivory Prince ’ Hellebores

I love some of the more unusual colors , like ‘ Ivory Prince , ’ with its blush pinko , chartreuse , and ivory peak . It’savailable for purchase at Nature Hills Nursery .

confab our guide to produce false hellebore for more selective information .

22. Hosta

genus Funka are garden raw material . You ’d be hard - campaign to discover a yard in Zones 3 to 9 that does n’t have at least one replete in a umbrageous maculation .

They ’re just so stark for adding people of colour and grain in locations where many other plants refuse to grow .

Plus , they play so well with many other plantings , act as a highlight or a centerpiece depend on how you use them . As a companion for camellias , they will allow for texture and color at the base of the shrubs from outflow until the first rime .

There ’s absolutely nothing wrong with a authoritative genus Hosta , but I ’m kind of in dear with ‘ Abiqua Drinking Gourd ’ in good order now .

‘ Abiqua Drinking Gourd ’ Hosta

The cupped , wrinkle leaves are so cool . You should see them after it rains or when they are covered in dew . They sparkle with the beguile drops .

Buy one ( get a few for me , too)at Nature Hills Nurseryin a # 1 container .

Learn more about hostas in our growing guide .

23. Hydrangea

Hydrangeas ( Hydrangeaspp . ) complement camellias perfectly . During the season when your camellia plants are n’t in bloom of youth , hydrangea pick up the morass in zone 3 to 9 .

Hydrangeas can abide soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 , have similar water penury , and can thrive in part shade . In other words , they like the same thing camellia do .

Typically , hydrangeas are smaller than camellias but some can grow up to 15 feet tall , so they can render a different height bed . Be sure to plant smaller hydrangea in front or they will chop-chop disappear from view .

I ’m obsessed with Quick Fire ® decent now . It ’s apanicle ( H. paniculata)cultivar with white blossoms that eventually turn arise scarlet . They bloom for a good , long time from summertime well into the fall , before the leaves turn burgundy .

Quick Fire ® Hydrangea

degenerate develop Trees has‘Quick Fire ’ available in three - gal container .

Hop on over to our guide on hydrangeas to learn more about elevate these peach .

24. Japanese Aralia

Paperplant or Japanese aralia ( Fatsia japonica ) has huge , palmate leave-taking that issue forth in a surprising regalia of variegate pattern and colouring .

you may grow them as houseplant , too , but as a companion for a camellia , they provide a contrast shape and chromaticity that accept affair from wow to wowza .

Plant smaller cultivar under the shrub , while taller cultivars , which can reach up to eight feet improbable , should be institute nearby where they ’ll be protected from full sunshine exposure .

The fuzzed little balls that appear in the summer are just a Brobdingnagian fillip .

Learn more about growing Nipponese aralia plants .

25. Japanese Maple

Japanese maples ( Acerspp . ) offer a different flavour from some of the other plant life on this list because they are deciduous trees . Camellias will provide the winter colour and bounce is when the maple take over .

With spectacular , colorful foliage , even though they do n’t blossom , they add a striking dividing line to the green foliage of the camellia .

Japanese maple prefer moderately acidulent soil , with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5 and like piss requirement . They like good afternoon shade , so they ’d make a nice pairing with camelia on the east side of a house or gravid tree diagram in Zones 5 to 8 .

It ’s impossible for me to recommend a individual Japanese maple . There are just too many good ones to opt from , in heights from just a few foot tall to 20 feet or more .

But if I had to pick , ‘ Inaba Shidare ’ would by all odds top the charts . It wo n’t mislay its bright Bolshevik to violet color in the heat and theweeping formis so refined .

The plant can eventually grow ten feet marvellous over several decades , but it typically stays smaller , particularly in lower lighting .

‘ Inaba Shidare ’ Nipponese Maple

In the springtime , the foliation is nearly black and then turns fervency - railway locomotive red in the fall .

Maple Ridge Nursery carriesthis beauty in a 15 and 25 congius sizing .

you may see all about how to raise Japanese maples here .

26. Mahonia

Mahonia ( Mahoniaspp . andBerberisspp . ) might not be the first plant that comes to intellect as a friend for your camellia , but they get along nicely .

Mahonia does n’t heed a little shade , so you may plant it in the shadow of a taller camellia bush , they both have exchangeable moisture demand , and both come in a salmagundi of size and shape full complement or contrast each other .

Mahonia blooms in the outflow and summer , with the middling blue-blooded berries close behind . Then , in the winter , your camellia will find fault up the quagmire .

Plus , since camelia rarely have chickenhearted blossom , mahonia supply that missing hue .

Depending on the coinage , they grow well in Zones 4 to 9 .

The Graeco-Roman Oregon grape ( Berberis aquifolium ) is good for zone 5 to 9 and is usable in both a standard , six - foot bush , and dwarf size that stays under two foot tall .

Oregon Grape Mahonia

Nature Hills carries the dwarfas well as thefull - sized option .

find out more about growing Oregon grape in our guide .

27. Magnolia

You ’ll find magnolias ( Magnoliaspp . ) that maturate everywhere from Zone 4 to Zone 10 in heights that rank from eight to 80 foot .

Since they have similar environmental needs in term of water , dirt pH , and light , you could grow a loom magnolia to shade your camelia in the good afternoon , or grow a dwarf Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that adds a small peak in the background knowledge to a few small shrub .

In my pace , the magnolia piece up the job of blossom right after the camellia are pretty much done . It ’s the sodding transition .

Some magnolias bloom in tumble right before the fall - bloom camellias commence flowering . They ’re the perfect companions .

Sweetbay Magnolia

travel to Fast raise Treesto grab asweetbay magnolia ( M. virginiana)in a one- to two- , two- to three- , three- to four- , or four- to five - metrical unit size .

magnolia put on a self-aggrandising show without a lot of fuss , and to find out about their pauperism , chat our guidebook .

28. Mock Orange

Every outflow , my mock orange shrubs ( Philadelphusspp . ) storm me . They ’re so unassuming when they are n’t in bloom that I kind of forget they ’re there .

Then , suddenly , I step outdoors and I ’m greet with a fragrance so marvelous that it ’s like my olfactory system has been asleep until that present moment .

It does n’t spite that they start to bloom just as the camellia bloom are drop from the plants and the yard needs a cost increase .

Mock oranges like acidic dirt , but they ’re adaptable , and they are n’t fussy about weewee so long as they ’re in well - draining soil . They can grow in Zones 4 to 8 .

Many source say that they only grow about eight base marvelous , but tell that to the 12 - foot tall shrub growing next to my camellias .

Speaking of , put your mock Orange River on the west , east , or south side of your camellia .

‘ Snowbelle ’ Mock Orange

‘ Snowbelle ’ commence blooming in late spring or early summer with clusters of whitened , fragrant bloom . Make it yours byvisiting Nature Hills Nursery .

Then , learn aboutgrowing mock oranges in our comprehensive guidebook .

29. Pansy

Depending on where you last and which you raise , pansies ( Violaspp . ) can zing up your garden in bounce , summer , decline , or wintertime .

Some of them do well in fond shade and they bloom reliably for weeks or even month .

Find some in your favourite color and toss them around your camelia to dress things up .

Swiss Giants is an heirloom serial with big , boldly - discolor blossoms .

Swiss Giants Pansies

While you may find the individual color sell separately , Botanical Interestscombines a striking blend of majestic , pink , white , red , orange , and yellowish in a 200 - milligram pack of source .

Just imagine how pretty they would look play up against the shining green of your shrubs .

If you need a niggling help making them expect their best , please visit ourguide to growing pouf .

30. Phlox

Bothgarden phlox ( Phlox paniculata)andcreeping phlox ( P. stoloniferaandP. subulata)produce colorful flowers that fill the garden with buzzing bees and bright chromaticity all summer long .

Do n’t plant phlox in the shade , though . stay them on the southern side of your shrubs so they get full to partial sun .

There are option for anyone in Zones 3 to 9 in colors like pink , purple , blue , white , and red .

The creeping type would be gorgeous on the south side of a bush , while the upright smorgasbord would count stunning next to your plant life on the west , east , or south side .

‘ Scarlet Flame ’ is a creeping case that sports bright red blush on four- to six - in flora .

‘ Scarlet Flame ’ Creeping Phlox

you’re able to find ‘ Scarlet Flame’available at Nature Hills Nurseryin # 1 containers .

Or if you favour a garden type , you could examine ‘ Cherry Cream ’ with cunning pinkish and blanched blooms atop two - foot - tall plant life .

‘ Cherry Cream ’ Upright Phlox

Nature Hills has‘Cherry Cream ’ available in # 1 container .

31. Pieris

Just as the first touch of spring rolls around , pieris ( Pierisspp . ) puts on its dazzling carrying out . Japanese pieris ( P. japonica ) is the most popular species , growing in Zones 4 to 8 .

‘ Mountain Fire , ’ with its variegated cream and green leaves and reddish pinkish efflorescence , is one of the most dazzling cultivars .

The drooping bunch of flowers resemblelily of the valley , which is why this plant life is often foretell lily of the valley shrub . Give it full to fond sun and determine the fireworks of color begin with cultivars like ‘ Dorothy Wycoff . ’

‘ Dorothy Wycoff ’ Pieris

This one has dark red buds that unfold into fragrant ascend pink flowers in foresighted clusters . The coloured green leaves go forth as maroon when they ’re untried .

Make one yoursfrom Nature Hills Nurseryin a # 1 or # 2 container .

At anywhere from nine to 12 foot marvellous , this is best as a companion on the side of your camellia shrub . If you live in a hot clime , place them on the east side to allow some afternoon refinement .

Learn more about growingPieris japonica .

32. Rhododendron

rhododendron ( Rhododendronspp . ) are similar to – and part of the same genus – as azalea and have all the same growing requirements . Acidic territory , water when the top column inch or two of soil dries out , and anything from partial to full sun .

sound a lot like a camellia ’s needs , right ? That ’s why they make such idealistic pals . Rhodies are unfearing in geographical zone 4 to 9 .

Plus , rhododendrons peak when camellias are n’t in flower , so they work nicely together if you ca n’t stand the thought of not have got some color in your garden after your camellias fade .

Rhododendrons are larger than azalea , with grown bloom , and most are evergreen , while most azaleas are deciduous .

Azaleas work intimately when planted in the understory of camellias , while rhodies should be planted next .

‘ Album ’ Rhododendron

Sometimes you want something that gives you a moment of peace rather than a riot of colour . If that ’s the space you ’re in , check outR. catawbiense‘Album , ’ a white cultivar availablefrom Fast Growing Trees .

Learn how to grow rhododendrons in our guide .

33. Sedge

Sometimes a Gunter Wilhelm Grass - like industrial plant with long , narrow leaves is just the ticket to provide a visual contrast to the rounded , glistening glory of camellias .

you’re able to findsedge ( Carexspp . ) typeshardy in Zones 2 to 10 and that get in besotted , ironical , umbrageous , or gay spots . They occur in hue of yellow , greenish , disconsolate , silver , orange , scarlet , bronze , and dark-brown and even multiple colors .

Plus , they send up ejaculate nous that can persist through summer and fall . So much all from one ostensibly small plant .

While any of the green options would be a fantastical choice , opine how cool the orangish fall farewell of New Zealand sedge ( C. testacea ) would take care against the super acid of your plants .

Depending on the salmagundi , sedges can be just a few inches marvelous or they might produce up to five feet . Let the specific size and light requirement prescribe where you place the plants . They might work as a rug underneath or as a companion in clumps next to the camellias .

find out more about how to grow sedge in our templet .

34. Snowdrop

I ca n’t be the only one whose heart lifts when Anemone quinquefolia ( Galanthusspp . ) go peeking out of the primer coat in late winter or early spring . They ’re such a cheerful harbinger of the coming cheerfulness and heat .

Hardy in Zones 3 to 8 , they do well in full sun but can suffer a niggling shade . Just do n’t plant them late underneath your shrubs . They need some sun to reach their full 10 - inch height .

Giant wood anemone

Go with the classic and pick up jumbo Anemone quinquefolia ( G. elwesii ) bulbsat Burpee .

teach how to grow snowdrops in our guide .

35. Tulip

Tulips ( Tulipaspp . ) are directly recognizable . moderately much everyone can identify the colored blossoms , which herald the coming of spring in geographical zone 3 to 7 .

While they wo n’t bloom in funny fix , they are perfectly happy in full to partial sunshine , so they make a nice addition to the southern side of your bush .

Depending on the type of tulip and the camellia you ’re grow , blossom might overlap a little or the tulips might start blooming after the camellias are done .

‘ Lorenzo ’ Tulips

For instance , ‘ Lorenzo ’ starts flowering right around Easter and lasts for weeks with its orangish , light-green , and scarlet variegated blooms .

Snag yourself some bulbsat Burpee .

Check out our guide to growing tulips to find out more .

36. Vine Maple

Vine maples ( Acer circinatum ) are underappreciated . While they can mature up to 30 feet tall and wide in full sun , they can rise in tone as well .

When they do , they quell much pocket-size and take on a graceful arching , sprawling growth substance abuse that adds an architectural constituent to the garden .

While they ’re technically classified as trees , they can also be bush - similar .

I have one grow in front of some camelia shrubs and when it ’s in foliage , it adds a lovely lime green hue and textural contrast to the bushes behind it .

When fall arrives , the big red leaves get out all the aid against the green background . Then , in the winter when it ’s bare , the slender branches cast the eye back to the principal of the winter show .

It ’s an unexpected combination that works so well together since the bush have similar growing requirements . Vine maples are audacious in Zones 6 to 9 .

37. Winter Daphne

A lot of the flora on this list bloom when camelia are n’t blossom .

While it ’s nice to have something to pick up the slack and provide some colouring , it ’s marvellous to have a works that blooms at the same prison term .

You ’ll be absolutely spoiled for colour if you pair your camelia with winter daphne ( Daphne odora ) .

desirable for Zones 7 to 9 , the heavily fragrant bloom emerge on the four - foot - grandiloquent plant as early as January and provide a reckless aroma that camelia miss .

This plant life likes good afternoon tad , so it ’s perfect as a companion on the east side of a camelia . They do well in standardized conditions , with well - draining , slightly acidic soil .

Marianni ® aka ‘ Rogbret ’ is heat tolerant , with pink - majestic blossom and leaves lined in a creamy yellow hue .

Marianni ® Winter Daphne

If this sounds appealing and you want to bring this cultivar home , visit Nature Hills Nursery .

you’re able to learn more about winter daphne in our guide .

38. Winter Heather

Winter heather ( Ericaspp . ) is actually a heath , but it does n’t matter what we call it . The dense , evergreen shrubs are adaptable , dependable , and beautiful .

Hardy in Zones 3 to 7 , they flower in the winter , add a carpet of color . constitute the 10 - inch tall flora just under your camellias where they ’ll still receive at least a few hour of Sunday .

Do n’t let your heather get too shaded , though . They bloom well when they ’re planted in full sun , though they tolerate partial Sunday .

Winter Calluna vulgaris is well-fixed to grow and you may learn how in our guide .

39. Wood Anemone

Pronouncing the name might be a bit of a tongue twister ( or is that just for me ? ) , but wood anemones ( Anemonoides nemorosaandA. quinquefolia ) are worth the possible superfluity .

These early spring bloomers emerge from the grime with their sunny yellow and white faces , announcing that leaping has sprung .

They demand mottled shade in Zones 3 to 9 to be happy , so it ’s like they were made to assist extend the flower time of year of camellias by leave a rug of color underneath and around the shrubs .

Since they rarely grow taller than seven or eight inches , wood anemones make a perfect understory plant .

Visit our guide to learn all about growing wood windflower .

Everything is Better With Friends

A camellia bush in full blooming doesn’tneedanything else to make it appear unbelievable , but discover the right companions can amplify the show .

Plus , these plants pass a lot of time wearing nothing but their plain greenish leaves , so if you’re able to add something to your garden to liven things up , why not ?

Now that they have admirer , you might desire tolearn a bit more about caring for your resplendent camellias . If so , we have a few guides you might want to take a smell at :

© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more contingent . Product photos via Botanical Interests , Burpee , Eden Brothers , flying Growing Trees , Maple Ridge Nursery , and Nature Hills Nursery . Uncredited photos : Shutterstock .

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Kristine Lofgren