The cold-hardy varieties developed by
Drs. Ackerman, Parks and Clifford (the Winter Series and a few others)
and by Camellia Forest Nursery (April Series) allow people in Zone 6 to
plant camellias in the ground but, I have not seen any that is
officially advertised for Zone 5. Camellia Forest Nursery's website can
be seen here:
http://www.camforest.com

Luis

Here is a link that might be useful too: Very Cold Hardy Camellias

The following old article suggests that they may be able to grow in 5b. Of course, blooming will occur in either the Fall or Spring:

http://www.cleveland.com/insideout/index.ssf/2010/09/cold-hardy_camellias_can_be_gr.htmlYou can also contact Nuccio's Nursery in Altadena, California to see if they carry some similar ones that will work for you.

And obviously, you can grow them in containers as long as you bring the containers into a garage or protected location in winter.

Here is an interesting article:

http://www.camforest.com/category_s/57.htm

Thanks. I am looking at a couple of the 6a ones, but im nervous, last winter dipped below -12. I may haved to try to protect them somehow, but I think there so pretty its worth losing 30 dollars to at least try

Maybe try it in a pot & bring it in for the winter next year? I am near Buffalo & have had success doing this with dahlias without having to dig them up each fall.

I would try calling and talking with someone in Camforest since their article (last link in my first reply) sounds like it is doable if you take their suggested steps:

Camellia Forest Nursery

620 Hwy 54 West

Chapel Hill, NC 27516

ph:919-968-0504

fax:919-929-8971

email:CamelliaForest@gmail.com

Or Nuccio's Nursery:

3555 CHANEY TRAIL • ALTADENA, CA 91001 (626) 794-3383