No, not too late to plant. I have 2 Ackerman varieties, purchased as 1 gal. plants 3 years ago. I have 3 Winter's Star in a front bed, east facing, but shaded by a large maple. I installed a mister irrigation system for all the perimeter beds this summer & it's been a lifesaver. The camellias in front are about 5' wide & tall-loose,informal habit & beautiful in bloom. I have 2 in the back, a Winter's Star in a western exposure & a Snow Flurry on the north, both heavily shaded, they have remained small, about 2'.
My local nursery just got in a shipment of camellias & I plan on adding several 'Winter's Snowman' to my garden.
Q