Camellias are generally considered evergreen
shrubs, often referred to as bushes, but some species and varieties can be pruned and trained into small
trees. The answer depends on the natural growth habit of the specific camellia type and how you choose to shape it over time. Most gardeners grow camellias as bushy shrubs, yet with careful pruning, they can also become beautiful specimen trees.
What exactly are camellias?
Camellias are flowering evergreen plants native to eastern and southern Asia. They belong to the genus
Camellia, which includes hundreds of species. The most common garden types are
Camellia japonica and
Camellia sasanqua. Their glossy, dark green leaves and showy blossoms make them popular for gardens in mild climates.
These plants grow slowly and can live for decades. They prefer acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade. While they are often labeled as "flowering shrubs," some can reach heights that rival small trees.
Do camellias grow as trees or shrubs?
Botanically, camellias are classified as
shrubs. Shrubs are woody plants with multiple stems and a bushy shape. However, many camellias can be pruned to develop a single main trunk, turning them into
tree-form specimens. This is a common practice in gardening.
In the wild, camellias often appear as large, multi-stemmed bushes. When left unpruned, they maintain a rounded, dense shape. But a few species, like
Camellia reticulata, can naturally grow into a single-stemmed small tree up to 15–20 feet tall. So the answer is: most camellias are bushes, but they can become trees with training.
How big do camellias get?
Size varies widely by species and cultivar. Here is a quick breakdown:
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Camellia japonica: Typically 6 to 12 feet tall and 5 to 8 feet wide. Some older specimens reach 20 feet.
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Camellia sasanqua: Usually 4 to 8 feet tall, with a wider, more sprawling habit.
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Camellia reticulata: Can grow 15 to 20 feet tall, often with a single trunk, resembling a small tree.
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Camellia sinensis (tea plant): Grows 6 to 10 feet if unpruned.
With proper pruning, you can keep any camellia smaller. In containers, they may stay under 5 feet. Always check the mature size on the plant tag before buying.
What is the difference between a camellia shrub and a camellia tree?
The main difference is the number of trunks and the overall shape. A
shrub has several stems coming from the ground, creating a bushy, rounded form. A
tree has a single, clear trunk with a canopy of branches above.
A camellia in tree form, often called a "standard" or "tree-form camellia", is pruned to have one straight main stem. The lower side branches are removed, and the top foliage is shaped into a ball or globe. This gives a tidy, elegant look that is popular for entryways or as a focal point.
In contrast, a natural shrub camellia is fuller and more informal. It provides dense cover and more flowers overall because it has many branches.
Can you turn a camellia bush into a tree?
Yes, you can. With a few years of careful pruning, you can train a camellia bush into a single-trunk tree. Here is a simple checklist for the process:
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Choose a young plant with a strong central leader (the main upright stem).
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Remove lower branches gradually over two or three seasons. Never cut off more than one-third of the plant in one year.
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Stake the trunk if it needs support to grow straight.
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Prune dead or crossing branches each spring after flowering.
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Shape the canopy by tipping branch ends to encourage fullness.
For this task, you need quality
pruning shears that make clean cuts. Using sharp, comfortable tools protects the plant and makes the job easier.
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Which camellia varieties are most tree-like?
If you want a camellia that naturally looks like a small tree, choose a species that tends to grow with a single trunk.
Camellia reticulata is the most tree-like, often reaching 15 to 20 feet with a clear stem. Cultivars like 'Francie L.' and 'Captain Rawes' are popular.
Among
Camellia japonica, some older varieties like 'Elegans' or 'Debutante' can form a tree shape if pruned. However, most japonica cultivars prefer a bushier habit.
Camellia sasanqua is usually spreading and less suited for a tree form.
How to care for a camellia to keep it bushy or tree-like?
Care is similar for both shapes, but pruning style differs. Here are key tips:
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Light: Partial shade is best. Too much sun can burn leaves, too much shade reduces flowers.
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Soil: Acidic, rich, well-draining. Add organic matter when planting.
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist, especially in the first year.
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Fertilizer: Use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, like azalea or rhododendron food. Apply in spring after flowering.
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For a
bushy shape, prune lightly after blooming to maintain form and remove dead wood. For a
tree shape, focus on keeping a single main trunk and thinning the canopy to let light reach the center.
What about camellia standards? Are they trees?
A standard camellia is a plant that has been trained to a single upright trunk with a rounded head of foliage on top. This is a
man-made tree form. Standards are often sold in nurseries as small "trees" on a tall, straight stem.
They are not true trees in the botanical sense, but they function as ornamental trees in the landscape. Standards need staking for several years to keep the trunk straight. Prune the head to keep it round and remove any suckers from the base.
When should I prune camellias?
The best time to prune camellias is
right after they finish flowering. For spring-blooming types (japonica), prune in late spring to early summer. For fall-blooming sasanquas, prune in early winter.
Never prune in late summer or fall, because you will remove next year’s flower buds. For tree training, remove lower branches gradually over several seasons. Remove no more than one-third of the plant’s total foliage in a single year.
How do I know if my camellia is a tree or shrub?
Look at the base of the plant. A
shrub has several main branches emerging at ground level. A
tree has one dominant trunk that rises at least two or three feet before any large side branches appear.
If you see multiple stems coming from the soil, it is a shrub. If there is a single, clean trunk, it is a tree. You can change a shrub to a tree by removing all but one stem, but it takes time.
Can camellias be grown in pots?
Yes, camellias do well in containers, especially if you want to control their size. Choose a compact variety like
Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide' or 'Setsugekka'. Use a large pot with drainage holes and acidic potting mix.
Container camellias are almost always kept as
shrubs because the root space limits their growth. You can still train a single stem in a pot, but the plant will stay small. Water regularly and fertilize during the growing season.
Are there camellias that are considered invasive?
In most parts of the United States, camellias are not invasive. They are non-native but well-behaved in gardens. However, in some areas of the southeastern U.S.,
Camellia sinensis (the tea plant) has been reported to naturalize. Always check local guidelines before planting. Generally, you can plant camellias without worry about them spreading aggressively.
Do camellias need special soil to grow as trees?
Whether you grow a camellia as a bush or a tree, the soil requirements are the same. They need
acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. Test your soil before planting. If the pH is too high (alkaline), the leaves may turn yellow.
Add plenty of organic matter like compost or peat moss at planting time. This helps with drainage and provides nutrients. For tree-form camellias, ensure the planting hole is deep enough for the root ball but not so deep that the trunk base is buried.
Can I grow a camellia from a cutting and make it a tree?
Yes, you can. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Root them in a mix of perlite and peat. Once rooted and established, select the strongest single stem and prune away others. Stake the stem to keep it straight. Over several years, you can develop a tree-form camellia from that cutting. This is a rewarding project for patient gardeners.
For successful rooting, consider using a
rooting hormone powder to speed up the process.
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How long does it take for a camellia to grow into a tree?
Camellias are slow growers. From a young shrub, it may take 5 to 8 years to develop a recognizable tree form with a clear trunk. Starting with a larger plant (3 to 5 feet tall) can cut that time in half. Patience is key. Regular gentle pruning each year will shape it faster than heavy cutting all at once.
Can I buy a camellia already shaped like a tree?
Yes, many nurseries sell camellias as
standards or
tree-form plants. They are usually grafted onto a straight rootstock stem. These are more expensive but give you an instant tree look. Look for "Camellia standard" or "Camellia tree" at local garden centers or online.
Remember to provide a stake for the first few years to keep the trunk straight, and always protect the graft union from frost.
What is the best camellia for a beginner wanting a tree shape?
For beginners, a
Camellia japonica variety like 'Pink Perfection' or 'Kramer's Supreme' works well because they are easy to prune and not too fast-growing. Alternatively, a
Camellia reticulata cultivar like 'Francie L.' naturally forms a tree. Start with a young plant that already has a straight central leader to make training easier.
Do camellia
