I have both and neither is particularly fragrant from a distance; you may have to get your nose close and personal, as in my case most times :o) Since they behave similarly, I would choose them based on which bloom or fragrance you prefer.

Good to know. I didn't see Prof Sargent being described as having any fragrance. I picked Kramer's for also because the full sized shrub appears to be a bit smaller than Sargent although the latter appears to bloom for longer.

Hello, anyone having a problem posting to the Camellia forum? I can’t post, only comment but I can post to other forums like the Roses forum.

Let's see if this test post goes through for me

Works

Thanks getgoing. I can comment, just can’t start a new discussion.

Hmm. Maybe try on a different device. If you are using a mobile, try on laptop or vice versa.

It still won’t let me. I posted on garden and shrubs for my camellia question. Here’s the link, please help! https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6227248/whats-happening-to-my-camellias

I commented

i can detect no fragrance at all from my 'kramer's supreme'. the buds are large and turn into huge flowers, for a camellia. i have seen almost tree-like specimens of 'professor sargeant' and it appears that 'kramer's' is going to be large, also, but perhaps not quite as full.

judging on flowers alone, i prefer 'kramer's supreme'. some of the stamens peek through the petals so probably a better food source in winter for pollinators. don't recall seeing this on the flowers of the other one. they are both good, dark reds and attractive in the winter landscape.

Thanks Jeff. I did get the Kramer's Supreme. I will be growing it in a container so whether it stays out on the balcony or comes in will depend on what gets me the most blooms. It is tiny and staying in for now so I can maximize on whatever growth it is willing to put on.

they are not good candidates for permanent houseplants so i would leave it outdoors for as much time as you safely can. it will produce more flowers with some outdoor sun exposure.

in my experience, the camellias with the dark red flowers can handle more summer sun than the ones with white or pale pink flowers.

i think you made a good choice. the reason i say that is because 'kramer's' growth form is more open than 'prof sargeant', which might be too dense for container culture unless interior routine pruning is something you are willing to do.

Thanks for the tips Jeff. I certainly plan to put them outdoors except for winters. I will try to let them have some sun. Considering I am in zone 7b and growing in containers, whether it is better outside or indoors for winter remains to be seen. I think some hit and trial will be required for optimal growth and getting flowers.

I got the High Fragnace Japonica this fall and put it outdoors until late fall and it did nothing. Then I got it indoors and it has since put out a nice flush of growth already (it sits in a SE window at 65-70 and get supplemental light from LED grow lights. I guess the indoor warmth fooled it into thinking it's spring already. Considering these plants are small (quart and three-quart pot size) they really need as much growth as possible the next few years. Any flowers will obviously be a bonus.