Bloom Colors: Camellias commonly come in red, pink, white and various mixtures and shadings of these colors.  Some camellias are variegated (splotched or striped) either genetically or because of a virus.  (In the case of virus variegated plants, the leaves may also be splotched yellow, this is not a cause for alarm.) Camellia hybridizers are trying to bring yellow into the camellia color spectrum by using the species C. Nitidissima.  The hybridized plants sometimes have blooms in shades of pale yellow. Bloom Types: Single  - A bloom with one row of 5-8 petals Semi-double - A bloom with two or more rows of petals Anemone - A bloom with one or more rows of outer petals, with a center of petaloids and stamens. Peony form - May be 'loose' or 'full'.  Bloom is a mass of mixed irregular petals, petaloids and stamens. Rose form double - A bloom with overlapping petals showing stamens in a concave center when fully open Formal double - A bloom with many overlapping petals, never showing stamens Species: There are many species of camellia but these four are the most commonly grown in our area: C. japonica - the most commonly grown species of camellia seen in local gardens.  Their flowers come in all the shapes above, and sizes from miniature to very large. Examples: 'Debutante', 'Nuccios Pearl'. C. sasanqua - a species of camellia which is quite tolerant of direct sunlight.  The flowers are mostly single or semi-double and small to medium sized.  Some have slight fragrance. Most bloom early in the season (November in Southern CA). Examples: 'Yultide', 'Narumigata'.  The flowers usually only last for a day or two, but they are borne in profusion. C. reticulata - a species of camellia which can produce very large flowers. Pollen of flowers with reticulata parentage often greys with age.  The leaves are large and distinctive and the species is named for the pattern of veins on its leaves.  The habit of the plant is more open and sparse than most C. japonicas, and the plants tend to be large and fast growing. Examples: 'Frank Houser', 'Dr. Clifford Parks'. C. saluenensis - a species of camellia with glossy, dark and usually narrow leaves.  Examples: 'Anticipation' and 'E.G. Waterhouse' are C. saluenensis hybrids. Fragrance: Most camellias have no scent.  Hybridizers have been seeking to breed fragrance into the camellia, in particular by using the species C. lutchuensis.  The fragrance of C. lutchuensis and its hybrids is sweet, not unlike honeysuckle. There are other camellia species with some fragrance including C. grijsii, C. kissi, C. tsaii, C. forrestii and C. yunnanensis.  A few C. japonicas, such as 'Herme', 'Scentsation' and 'Spring Sonnet' have fragrance, though it is generally slight.  Some C. sasanquas smell like freshly opened tea bags.  These varieties may be found at nurseries specializing in camellias, such as Nuccios in Altadena, CA. Other uses: The species C. sinensis is used to make tea.  C. oleifera is grown for oil (from the seeds) which is used in cooking and in cosmetics.