Hi Luis - I think it depends on the cultivar. I've got Winter's Fire which has huge leaves, nearly like a japonica. Winter's Dream has smaller leaves and seems to like sun. If I was in zone 8, I'd be trying reticulata's, but to each his own :-)

Thanks for your comments. Winter's Charm, the one I bought, has sasanqua-like leaves, probably like your Winter's Dream so WC may do well in a full sun exposure. My WC got planted where it gets afternoon shade but I was curious to see how other oleiferas had done in the south. Good to hear from you.

I've been trying camellias available locally because there is something to be said about good return policies in the local stores. However, I have been limited to sasanquas, japonicas and sinensis. Very, very few oleiferas or their hybrids around here. And zero reticulatas (so far). :o(