Camellias are wonderful shade plants for the south. Whether you plant Camellia sasanqua or japonica the blooms are sure to become a favorite in your garden. Remember that Camellia sasanqua bloom in the fall (October-December) and Camellia japonica bloom in the winter and spring (Jan-March). The leaves of the sasanqua camellias are more narrow than the japonica varieties. They also tend to be faster growing, too.